<Page>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 25, 2003
1933 ACT FILE NO. _________
1940 ACT FILE NO. 811 - 03763
=============================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
______________________
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON
FORM S-6
______________________
FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
OF SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT TRUSTS
REGISTERED ON FORM N-8B-2
A. EXACT NAME OF TRUST: CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 161
B. NAME OF DEPOSITOR: CLAYMORE SECURITIES, INC.
C. COMPLETE ADDRESS OF DEPOSITOR'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES:
Claymore Securities, Inc.
210 North Hale Street
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
D. NAME AND COMPLETE ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE:
Copies to:
NICHOLAS DALMASO, ESQ. ERIC F. FESS
Senior Managing Director and General Counsel
Claymore Securities, Inc. Chapman and Cutler LLP
210 North Hale Street 111 West Monroe Street
Wheaton, Illinois 60187 Chicago, Illinois 60603
(630) 784-6300 (312) 845-3000
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
/ / immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
/ / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)
/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule 485 or 486
/ / This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
E. TITLE OF SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED: Units of fractional undivided
beneficial interest.
F. APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED SALE TO PUBLIC: As soon as practicable
after the effective date of
the Registration Statement.
/ / Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective on
(date) at (time) pursuant to Rule 487.
===============================================================================
The registration hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this
Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with
Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration
Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting
pursuant to said Section 8(a) may determine.
<Page>
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY
NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
PRELIMINARY PORTFOLIO DATED NOVEMBER 25, 2003 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 161
EQUITY DIVIDEND INCOME PORTFOLIO (5-YEAR), SERIES 3
PREFERRED PLUS PORTFOLIO, SERIES 3
[CLAYMORE LOGO]
PROSPECTUS PART A DATED DECEMBER , 2003
PORTFOLIOS OF STOCKS SELECTED BY CLAYMORE SECURITIES, INC.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of
these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus.
Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
<Page>
INVESTMENT SUMMARY
OVERVIEW
Claymore Securities Defined Portfolios, Series 163 is a unit investment
trust that consists of the Equity Dividend Income Portfolio (5-year), Series
3 (the "DIVIDEND INCOME TRUST") and the Preferred Plus Portfolio, Series 3
(the "PREFERRED PLUS TRUST") (the Dividend Income Trust and the Preferred
Plus Trust are collectively referred to as the "TRUSTS" and individually
referred to as a "TRUST"). Claymore Securities, Inc. ("CLAYMORE" or the
"SPONSOR") serves as the sponsor of the trusts.
The trusts are scheduled to terminate in approximately 5 years.
EQUITY DIVIDEND INCOME PORTFOLIO (5-YEAR), SERIES 3
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Dividend Income Trust seeks to provide dividend income potential
coupled with the potential for long-term capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The Dividend Income Trust consists of a diversified portfolio of
dividend-paying equity securities. The sponsor believes that dividends are often
a good indicator of a corporation's current financial condition and furthermore,
they may signal management's belief of a profitable future for the corporation.
According to Bloomberg, ___% of the total return of the Standard & Poor's 500
Index for the period ________, 1983 through ________, 2003 has come from
dividend reinvestment. Investors seeking to return to the often-volatile equity
markets may consider the income available from a group of dividend-paying stocks
as a logical first step toward re-entry into the markets.
See "Investment Policies" in Part B of the prospectus for more information.
SECURITY SELECTION
Through proprietary research, the sponsor will strive to select a diverse,
domestic portfolio of above-average dividend-paying stocks that the sponsor
believes are trading at sound valuations based on several measures, such as
price-to-earnings, price-to-cash flow and price-to-sales. The sponsor will also
focus on stocks with dividend yields that are greater than the Standard & Poor's
500 Index, stocks with a strong history of increasing their dividends, and
stocks that the sponsor believes are financially sound enough to continue to pay
dividends for the life of the trust.
As of the initial date of deposit (the "INCEPTION DATE") the securities in
the trust are approximately equally dollar weighted.
FUTURE TRUSTS
The sponsor intends to create future trusts that follow the same investment
strategy. One such trust is expected to be available approximately one year
after the trust's Inception Date and upon the trust's termination. If these
future trusts are available, you may be able to reinvest into one of the trusts
at a reduced sales charge.
2
<Page>
Each trust is designed to be part of a longer term strategy.
PORTFOLIO DIVERSIFICATION
(AS OF THE INCEPTION DATE)
<Table>
<Caption>
SECTOR TOTAL%
- ------ ------
%
------
Total 100%
======
</Table>
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with all investments, you can lose money by investing in this trust. The
trust also might not perform as well as you expect. This can happen for reasons
such as these:
- STOCK PRICES CAN BE VOLATILE. The value of your investment may fall over
time.
- THE SPONSOR DOES NOT ACTIVELY MANAGE THE PORTFOLIO. The trust will
generally hold, and may continue to buy, the same stocks even though the
stock's outlook or its market value or yield may have changed.
- Share prices or dividend rates on the stocks may decline during the life
of the trust.
- The trust is considered to be concentrated in securities issued by
companies in the financial services industry. A concentration makes the
trust subject to more risk. These include banks, insurance companies and
investment firms.
NEGATIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY WILL AFFECT THE
VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT. For example, the profitability of financial
service providers is largely dependent upon the availability and cost of
capital which in turn may fluctuate significantly in response to changes
in interest rates and general economic developments. In particular, the
following financial service providers are subject to the following
risks:
- Banks and thrifts must contend with volatile interest rates; the
adverse effects of economic recession; competition; portfolio
concentrations in geographic markets and in real estate loans; and
significant regulation.
- Insurance companies must contend with interest rate movements; the
imposition of premium rate caps; competition and pressure to compete
globally; weather catastrophes and other disasters that require
payouts; mortality rates; and government regulation or tax law
changes.
- Investment firms must contend with shrinking profit margins due to
new competitors; the cost of new technology; and the pressure to
compete globally.
See "Risk Factors" in Part B of the prospectus and "Investment Risks" in
Part A of the prospectus for additional information.
3
<Page>
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
(AS OF THE INCEPTION DATE)
<Table>
UNIT PRICE AT INCEPTION (PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE) $10.00
INCEPTION DATE ________, 2003
TERMINATION DATE ________, 2008
DISTRIBUTION DATES 25th day of each month,
commencing ___________, 2004
RECORD DATES 15th day of each month,
commencing ___________, 2004
CUSIP NUMBERS
CASH DISTRIBUTIONS (ALL ACCOUNTS) _________
REINVESTED DISTRIBUTIONS
Standard Accounts _________
Fee Account _________
TICKER _________
MINIMUM INVESTMENT
Standard accounts $1,000/100 units
Retirement accounts and
custodial accounts for minors $250/25 units
</Table>
WHO SHOULD INVEST
You should consider this investment if:
- The trust represents only a portion of your overall investment
portfolio.
- The trust is part of a longer-term investment strategy that includes the
investment in subsequent portfolios, if available.
- The trust is combined with other investment vehicles to provide
diversification of method to your overall portfolio.
You should not consider this investment if:
- You are uncomfortable with the trust's strategy.
- You are uncomfortable with the risks of an unmanaged investment in
stocks.
- You want high current income or capital preservation.
FEES AND EXPENSES
The amounts below are estimates of the direct and indirect expenses that
you may incur based on a $10 unit price. Actual expenses may vary.
<Table>
<Caption>
PERCENTAGE AMOUNT
OF PUBLIC PER $1,000
INVESTOR FEES OFFERING PRICE INVESTED(4)
- ------------- -------------- -----------
INITIAL SALES FEE PAID ON
PURCHASE(1) % $
DEFERRED SALES FEE(2)
CREATION AND
DEVELOPMENT FEE(3)
---- -------
MAXIMUM SALES FEES
(including creation and
development fee) % $
==== =======
ESTIMATED ORGANIZATION COSTS
(amount per 100 units paid
by trust at end of initial
offering period or after six
months, at the discretion of
the sponsor) $
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
APPROXIMATE AMOUNT
ANNUAL FUND % OF PUBLIC PER
OPERATING EXPENSES OFFERING PRICE(4) 100 UNITS
- ------------------ ----------------- ----------
Trustee's fee % $
Sponsor's supervisory
fee
Evaluator's fee
Bookkeeping and
administrative fee
Estimated other trust
operating expenses(5)
------ --------
Total % $
====== ========
</Table>
4
<Page>
(1) The initial sales fee provided above is based on the unit price on the
Inception Date. Because the initial sales fee equals the difference between
the maximum sales fee and the sum of the remaining deferred sales fee and
the creation and development fee ("C&D FEE") (as described below), the
percentage and dollar amount of the initial sales fee will vary as the unit
price varies and after deferred charges begin. Despite the variability of
the initial sales fee, each investor is obligated to pay the entire
applicable maximum sales fee.
(2) The deferred sales fee is fixed at $_____ per unit and is deducted in
monthly installments of $____ per unit on the last business day of
_________ and ________ and $____ on the last business day of _____, 2004.
The percentage provided is based on a $10 unit as of the Inception Date and
the percentage amount will vary over time.
(3) The C&D Fee compensates the sponsor for creating and developing your trust.
The actual C&D Fee is $0.05 per unit and is paid to the sponsor at the
close of the initial offering period which is expected to be four months
from the Inception Date. The percentages provided are based on a $10 unit
as of the Inception Date and the percentage amount will vary over time. If
the unit price exceeds $10.00 per unit, the C&D Fee will be less than
0.50%; if the unit price is less than $10.00 per unit, the C&D Fee will
exceed 0.50%.
(4) Based on 100 units with a $10.00 per unit Public Offering Price as of the
Inception Date.
(5) Other operating expenses do not include brokerage cost and other
transactional fees.
EXAMPLE
This example helps you compare the costs of this trust with other unit
trusts and mutual funds. In the example we assume that you reinvest your
investment in a new trust every other year, the expenses do not change and the
trust's annual return is 5%. Your actual returns and expenses will vary. Based
on these assumptions, you would pay these expenses for every $10,000 you invest:
<Table>
1 year $
3 years
5 years
10 years
</Table>
These amounts are the same regardless of whether you sell your investment
at the end of a period or continue to hold your investment. The example does not
consider any brokerage fees or transaction fees that broker-dealers may charge
for processing redemption requests.
See "Expenses of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for additional
information.
ESTIMATED ANNUAL INCOME DISTRIBUTIONS
The portfolio's estimated annual income distributions are $_____ per unit
for the first year. The amount of distributions may increase or decrease as
securities in the portfolio mature, are called or are sold, as the dividends
received change or as fees and expenses increase or decrease. Estimated
distributions assume that all of the securities and expected dividends are
delivered to the portfolio. These figures are estimates as of the business day
prior to the Inception Date; actual payments may vary.
See "Expenses of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for additional
information.
5
<Page>
TRUST PORTFOLIO
CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 161
EQUITY DIVIDEND INCOME PORTFOLIO (5-YEAR), SERIES 3
THE TRUST PORTFOLIO AS OF THE INCEPTION DATE, DECEMBER , 2003
<Table>
<Caption>
PERCENTAGE PRICE
TICKER COMPANY INITIAL OF PER COST TO
SYMBOL NAME(1) INDUSTRY SHARES PORTFOLIO SHARE PORTFOLIO(2)(3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% $ $
---------
$
=========
</Table>
(1) All securities are represented entirely by contracts to purchase
securities, which were entered into by the sponsor on _______, 2003. All
contracts for securities are expected to be settled by the initial
settlement date for the purchase of units.
(2) Valuation of securities by the evaluator was made using the market value
per share as of the Evaluation Time on _______, 2003. For securities quoted
on a national or foreign securities exchange or Nasdaq National Market
System, securities are generally valued at the closing sales price.
(3) There was a $___ loss to the sponsor on the Inception Date.
6
<Page>
PREFERRED PLUS
PORTFOLIO, SERIES 3
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The trust seeks to provide high current income.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The trust consists of a diversified portfolio of preferred stocks and/or
trust preferred securities (the "SECURITIES"). The trust may include domestic
and foreign securities of various issuers including energy producers, financial
services providers, utilities, and real estate investment trusts ("REITS").
Certain of the securities may be rated below investment grade (Baa or BBB) as
determined by Moody's Investors Services, Inc. ("MOODY'S") and/or Standard &
Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("STANDARD & POOR'S"). The
trust will be concentrated in securities of companies in the financial services
industry.
SECURITY SELECTION
The sponsor has selected for the portfolio preferred stocks and/or trust
preferred securities believed to have the best potential to achieve the trust's
investment objective. Preferred securities have characteristics of both debt and
equity. The sponsor believes that an investment in a portfolio of preferred
securities offers investors an opportunity to receive the income flow advantages
of bonds while still enjoying the liquidity benefits of equity securities. The
trust is carefully diversified across the preferred market, with close attention
paid to dividend yield, credit quality, call protection, diversification and
liquidity.
As of the trust's inception date (the "INCEPTION DATE"), approximately 80% of
the securities included in the trust are rated, as of the Inception Date, in the
category of "Baa" or better by Moody's or in the category of "BBB" or better by
Standard & Poor's.
On the Inception Date, approximately 20% of the trust's portfolio is invested
in securities that are rated below investment grade by either Moody's or
Standard & Poor's. High-yield or "junk" securities, the generic names for
securities rated below "BBB" by Standard & Poor's and "Baa" by Moody's, are
frequently issued by corporations in the growth stage of their development or by
established companies who are highly leveraged or whose operations or industries
are depressed. Securities that are rated investment grade by either Standard &
Poor's and Moody's will be deemed to be investment grade for purposes of the
trust even if the security has received a below investment grade rating by
either party. Obligations rated below investment grade should be considered
speculative as these ratings indicate a quality of less than investment grade.
Because high-yield securities are generally subordinated obligations and are
perceived by investors to be riskier than higher rated securities, their prices
tend to fluctuate more than higher rated securities and are affected by
short-term credit developments to a greater degree.
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES. As of the Inception Date, ____% of the trust
consists of trust preferred securities. Trust preferred securities are
limited life preferred securities typically issued by corporations, generally
in the form of interest bearing notes or preferred securities, or by an
affiliated business trust of a corporation, generally in the form of
beneficial interests in subordinated debentures issued by the corporation,
7
<Page>
or similarly structured securities. Dividend payments of the trust preferred
securities generally coincide with interest payments on the underlying
obligations. Unlike preferred stocks, distributions for trust preferred
securities are generally treated as interest rather than dividends for
federal income tax purposes and therefore, are not eligible for the
dividends-received deduction. Trust preferred securities and the underlying
subordinated debentures typically rank senior to the company's common and
preferred stock and junior to the company's senior debt, subordinated debt
and other indebtedness.
Certain trust preferred securities have maturity dates. The maturities of the
trust preferred securities included in the trust range from approximately ____
to ____ years.
As of the Inception Date, the securities in the trust are approximately
equally dollar weighted.
See "Description of Ratings" in Part B of the prospectus for additional
information regarding the ratings criteria.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO DIVERSIFICATION
(AS OF THE INCEPTION DATE)
<Table>
<Caption>
APPROXIMATE
PORTFOLIO
SECTOR PERCENTAGE
- ------ ----------
%
---------
100.00%
</Table>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL RISKS
You can lose money by investing in the trust. The trust also might not
perform as well as you expect. This can happen for reasons such as these:
- SHARE PRICES CAN BE VOLATILE. The value of your investment may fall over
time.
- RISING INTEREST RATES WILL GENERALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF YOUR UNITS.
Typically, securities with longer periods before maturity are more
sensitive to interest rate changes.
8
<Page>
- AN ISSUER MAY BE UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO MAKE PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS AND/OR TO
DECLARE DIVIDENDS IN THE FUTURE, OR MAY REDUCE THE LEVEL OF DIVIDENDS
DECLARED. This may result in a reduction in the value of your units.
- THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF AN ISSUER MAY WORSEN OR ITS CREDIT RATINGS MAY
DROP, RESULTING IN A REDUCTION IN THE VALUE OF YOUR UNITS. This may occur
at any point in time, including during the primary offering period.
- THE TRUST WILL RECEIVE EARLY RETURNS OF PRINCIPAL IF SECURITIES ARE CALLED
OR SOLD BEFORE THEY MATURE. If this happens your income will decline and
you may not be able to reinvest the money you receive at as high a yield
or as long a maturity.
- CERTAIN OF THE SECURITIES ARE RATED BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE AND ARE
CONSIDERED TO BE "JUNK" SECURITIES. Below investment grade obligations are
considered to be speculative and are subject to greater market and credit
risks, and accordingly, the risk of non-payment or default is higher than
investment grade securities. In addition, such securities may be more
sensitive to interest rate changes and more likely to receive early
returns of principal.
- CERTAIN OF THE SECURITIES ARE RATED AS INVESTMENT GRADE BY ONLY ONE RATING
AGENCY. As a result, such split-rated securities may have more speculative
characteristics and are more subject to a greater risk of default than
securities rated as investment grade by both Moody's and Standard &
Poor's.
- Certain of the securities included in the trust may be foreign securities
or American Depositary Receipts that evidence ownership of underlying
foreign securities. FOREIGN SECURITIES PRESENT RISKS BEYOND THOSE OF U.S.
ISSUERS INCLUDING:
- loss resulting from currency fluctuations,
- possible withholding taxes, and
- differing accounting practices.
- WE DO NOT ACTIVELY MANAGE THE PORTFOLIO. The trust will generally hold,
and may continue to buy, the same securities even though the security's
outlook or rating or its market value or yield may have changed.
- The trust is considered to be concentrated in securities issued by
companies in the financial services industry. These include banks,
insurance companies and investment firms. NEGATIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE
FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY WILL AFFECT THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT. For
example, the profitability of financial service providers is largely
dependent upon the availability and cost of capital which in turn may
fluctuate significantly in response to changes in interest rates and
general economic developments. In particular, the following financial
service providers are subject to the following risks:
- Banks and thrifts must contend with: volatile interest rates; the
adverse effects of economic recession; competition; portfolio
concentrations in geographic markets and in real estate loans; and
significant regulation.
9
<Page>
- Insurance companies must contend with: interest rate movements; the
imposition of premium rate caps; competition and pressure to compete
globally; weather catastrophes and other disasters that require payouts;
mortality rates; and government regulation or tax law changes.
- Investment firms must contend with: shrinking profit margins due to new
competitors; the cost of new technology; and the pressure to compete
globally.
- The trust is also considered to be concentrated in preferred stocks
and/or trust preferred securities. A concentration makes the trust
subject to more risk. The risks associated with these securities are
described in "Investment Risks."
WHO SHOULD INVEST
You should consider this investment if:
- You are seeking to own preferred securities in one convenient package;
- You want current income and diversification;
- The trust represents only a portion of your overall investment portfolio;
and
- The trust is part of a longer term investment strategy.
You should not consider this investment if:
- You are unwilling to take the risks involved with owning higher-yielding
preferred securities;
- You are seeking an aggressive high-growth investment strategy; or
- You are unwilling to take the increased risks involved with owning
non-investment grade or "junk" securities.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
(AS OF THE INCEPTION DATE)
UNIT PRICE AT INCEPTION (PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE) $10.00
INCEPTION DATE (INITIAL DATE OF DEPOSIT) ___________, 2003
TERMINATION DATE ___________, 2008
DISTRIBUTION DATES 25th day of each month,
commencing _____, 2004
RECORD DATES 15th day of each month commencing
_____, 2004
CUSIP NUMBERS
Cash distributions (all accounts)
Reinvested distributions
Standard Accounts
Fee Accounts
SUMMARY OF RATINGS:
Standard & Poor's
Moody's
TICKER
MINIMUM INVESTMENT
Standard accounts $1,000/100 units
Retirement accounts and
custodial accounts for minors $250/25 units
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEES AND EXPENSES
The amounts below are estimates of the direct and indirect expenses that you
may incur
10
<Page>
based on a $10 unit price. Actual expenses may vary.
<Table>
<Caption>
PERCENTAGE AMOUNT
OF PUBLIC PER $1,000
INVESTOR FEES OFFERING PRICE INVESTED(4)
------------- -------------- -----------
INITIAL SALES FEE PAID ON PURCHASE(1)
DEFERRED SALES FEE(2)
CREATION AND DEVELOPMENT FEE(3)
--------- ------
MAXIMUM SALES FEES
(including creation and development fee)
========= ======
</Table>
<Table>
ESTIMATED ORGANIZATION COSTS
(amount per 100 units paid by trust at
end of initial offering period or after
six months, at the discretion of the
sponsor) $ 8.00
============
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
APPROXIMATE AMOUNT
ANNUAL FUND % OF PUBLIC PER
OPERATING EXPENSES OFFERING PRICE(4) 100 UNITS
- ------------------ ----------------- ---------
Trustee's fee
Sponsor's supervisory fee
Evaluator's fee
Bookkeeping and administrative fee
Estimated other trust operating
expenses(5)
------------ ------
Total
============ ======
</Table>
(1) The initial sales fee provided above is based on the unit price on the
Inception Date. Because the initial sales fee equals the difference between
the maximum sales fee and the sum of the remaining deferred sales fee and
the creation and development fee ("C&D FEE") (as described below), the
percentage and dollar amount of the initial sales fee will vary as the unit
price varies and after deferred charges begin. Despite the variability of
the initial sales fee, each investor is obligated to pay the entire
applicable maximum sales fee.
(2) The deferred sales fee is fixed at $_____ per unit and is deducted in
monthly installments of $______ per unit on the last business day of each
month from ____________ through _____________. The percentage provided is
based on a $10 unit as of the Inception Date and the percentage amount will
vary over time.
(3) The C&D Fee compensates the sponsor for creating and developing your trust.
The actual C&D Fee is $0.05 per unit and is paid to the sponsor at the
close of the initial offering period, which is expected to be ninety days
from the Inception Date. The percentages provided are based on a $10 unit
as of the Inception Date and the percentage amount will vary over time. If
the unit price exceeds $10.00 per unit, the C&D Fee will be less than
0.50%; if the unit price is less than $10.00 per unit, the C&D Fee will
exceed 0.50%.
(4) Based on 100 units with a $10 per unit Public Offering Price as of the
Inception Date.
(5) Other operating expenses do not include brokerage cost and other
transactional fees.
EXAMPLE
This example helps you compare the costs of this trust with other unit trusts
and mutual funds. In the example we assume that you reinvest your investment in
a new trust each year, the expenses do not change and the trust's annual return
is 5%. Your actual returns and expenses will vary. Based on these assumptions,
you would pay these expenses for every $10,000 you invest:
<Table>
1 year
3 years
5 years
10 years
</Table>
These amounts are the same regardless of whether you sell your investment at
the end of a period or continue to hold your investment. The example does not
consider any brokerage fees or transaction fees that broker-dealers may charge
for processing redemption requests.
11
<Page>
See "Expenses of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for additional
information.
ESTIMATED ANNUAL INCOME DISTRIBUTIONS
The portfolio's estimated annual income distributions are $______ per unit
for the first year.
The amount of distributions may increase or decrease as securities in the
portfolio mature, are called or are sold, as the dividends received change or as
fees and expenses increase or decrease. Estimated distributions assume that all
of the securities and expected dividends are delivered to the portfolio. These
figures are estimates as of the business day prior to the Inception Date; actual
payments may vary.
See "Expenses of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for additional
information.
12
<Page>
TRUST PORTFOLIO
CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 161
PREFERRED PLUS PORTFOLIO, SERIES 3
THE TRUST PORTFOLIO AS OF THE INCEPTION DATE, DECEMBER , 2003
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<Table>
<Caption>
Ratings(2)
-------------------- Optional Per
Number of Standard & Redemption Share Cost to
Shares(1) Company Name Industry Moody's Poor's Provision(3) Price Portfolio(4)(5)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------
========
</Table>
Notes to Portfolio
(1) All securities are represented entirely by contracts to purchase
securities, which were entered into by the sponsor on December __, 2003.
All contracts for domestic securities are expected to be settled by the
initial settlement date for the purchase of units.
(2) See "Description of Ratings" in Part B of the prospectus for a brief
description of the rating symbols and their meanings.
(3) The securities are first redeemable on such date and at such price as
listed above. Optional redemption provisions, which may be exercised in
whole or in part, are at prices of par or stated value. Optional redemption
provisions generally will occur at times when the redeemed securities have
an offering side evaluation which represents a premium over par or stated
value. To the extent that the securities were acquired at a price higher
than the redemption price, this will generally
13
<Page>
represent a loss of capital when compared with the Public Offering Price of
the Units when acquired. Distributions will generally be reduced by the
amount of the dividends which otherwise would have been paid with respect
to redeemed securities, and any principal amount received on such
redemption after satisfying any redemption requests for units received by
the trust will generally be distributed to unitholders. Certain of the
securities have provisions which would allow for their redemption prior to
the earliest stated call date pursuant to the occurrence of certain
extraordinary events.
(4) Valuation of securities by the trustee was made using the market value per
share as of the Evaluation Time on December __, 2003. Subsequent to
inception, securities are valued, for securities quoted on a national
securities exchange or Nasdaq National Market System, or a foreign
securities exchange, at the closing sales price.
(5) There was a $___ loss to the sponsor on the Inception Date.
(6) This security represents the security of a foreign company which trades
directly on a United States national securities exchange.
14
<Page>
(This page has been left blank intentionally.)
<Page>
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INVESTMENT
HOW TO BUY UNITS
You can buy units of your trust on any business day by contacting your
financial professional. Public offering price are available daily on the
Internet at www.claymoresecurities.com. The unit price includes:
- the value of the stocks,
- the initial sales fee, and
- cash and other net assets in the portfolio.
We often refer to the purchase price of units as the "OFFER PRICE" or the
"PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE." We must receive your order to buy units prior to the
close of the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) to give
you the price for that day. If we receive your order after this time, you will
receive the price computed on the next business day.
VALUE OF THE STOCKS. The sponsor serves as the evaluator of your trust (the
"EVALUATOR"). We determine the value of the stocks as of the close of the New
York Stock Exchange on each day that the exchange is open (the "EVALUATION
TIME").
PRICING THE STOCKS. We generally determine the value of stocks using the
last sale price for stocks traded on a national or foreign securities exchange
or the Nasdaq Stock Market. In some cases we will price a stock based on the
last asked or bid price in the over-the-counter market or by using other
recognized pricing methods. We will only do this if a stock is not principally
traded on a national or foreign securities exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market,
or if the market quotes are unavailable or inappropriate.
The sponsor determined the initial prices of the stocks shown in "Trust
Portfolio" for your trust in this prospectus. The sponsor determined these
initial prices as described above at the close of the New York Stock Exchange on
the business day before the date of this prospectus. On the first day we sell
units we will compute the unit price as of the close of the New York Stock
Exchange or the time the registration statement filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission becomes effective, if later.
ORGANIZATION COSTS. During the initial offering period, part of your
purchase price includes a per unit amount sufficient to reimburse us for some or
all of the costs of creating your trust. These costs include the costs of
preparing the registration statement and legal documents, legal fees, federal
and state registration fees and the initial fees and expenses of the trustee.
Your trust will sell stocks to reimburse us for these costs at the end of the
initial offering period or after six months, at the discretion of the sponsor.
TRANSACTIONAL SALES FEE. You pay a fee when you buy units. We refer to this
fee as the "TRANSACTIONAL SALES FEE." The transactional sales fee has both an
initial and a deferred component and is ____% of the Public Offering Price based
on a $10 unit. This percentage amount of the transactional sales fee is based on
the unit price on the Inception Date. Because the transactional sales fee equals
the difference between the maximum sales fee and the C&D Fee, the percentage and
dollar amount of the transactional sales fee will vary as the unit price varies.
The transactional sales fee does not include the C&D Fee which is described
under "Expenses of the
16
<Page>
Trust" in Part B of the Prospectus and in "Fees and Expenses" in Part A of the
Prospectus.
INITIAL SALES FEE. Based on a $10 unit, the initial sales fee is initially
1% of the Public Offering Price. The initial sales fee, which you will pay at
the time of purchase, is equal to the difference between the maximum sales
charge (____% of the Public Offering Price) and the sum of the maximum remaining
deferred sales fees and the C&D Fee (initially $____ per unit). The dollar
amount and percentage amount of the initial sales fee will vary over time.
DEFERRED SALES FEE. To keep your money working longer, we defer payment of
the rest of the transactional sales fee through the deferred sales fee ($___ per
unit).
REDUCING YOUR SALES FEE. We offer a variety of ways for you to reduce the
maximum sales fee you pay. It is your financial professional's responsibility to
alert us of any discount when you order units. Since the deferred sales fee and
the C&D Fee are a fixed dollar amount per unit, your trust must charge the
deferred sales fee and the C&D Fee per unit regardless of any discounts.
However, if you are eligible to receive a discount such that your total maximum
sales fee is less than the fixed dollar amount of the deferred sales fee and the
C&D Fee, we will credit you the difference between your maximum sales fee and
the sum of the deferred sales fee and the C&D Fee at the time you buy units.
LARGE PURCHASES. You can reduce your maximum sales fee by increasing the
size of your investment.
INVESTORS WHO MAKE LARGE PURCHASES ARE ENTITLED TO THE FOLLOWING SALES
CHARGE REDUCTIONS:
<Table>
<Caption>
SALES CHARGE
REDUCTIONS
(AS A % OF THE
PUBLIC
PURCHASE AMOUNT(1) OFFERING PRICE)
------------------ ---------------
Less than $50,000 0%
$50,000 - $99,999
$100,000 - $249,999
$250,000 - $499,999
$500,000 - $999,999
$1,000,000 or more
</Table>
(1) Sales charge reductions are computed both on a dollar basis and on the
basis of the number of units purchased, at any point of purchase, using the
equivalent of 5,000 units to $50,000, 10,000 units to $100,000 etc., and
will be applied on that basis which is more favorable to you.
You may AGGREGATE unit purchases by the same person on any single day from
any one broker-dealer to qualify for a purchase level. You can include these
purchases as your own for purposes of this aggregation:
- purchases by your spouse or minor children and
- purchases by your trust estate or fiduciary accounts.
You may also use a LETTER OF INTENT to combine purchases over time to
qualify for a purchase level. Under this option, you must give us a letter of
intent to purchase a specified amount of units of any Claymore unit trust over a
specified time period. The letter must specify a time period of no more than 13
months. Once you sign a letter of intent, we will reduce your fee based on your
total purchase commitment as shown in the table
17
<Page>
above. If your purchases exceed the level specified in your letter, you will
still receive the additional fee reduction for your purchases shown in the table
above (we will not cap your discount). If your total purchases are less than the
level specified in your letter, you must pay the fee difference to us. We
reserve the right to redeem your units if you do not pay the difference.
The discounts described above apply only during the initial offering
period.
ADVISORY AND FEE ACCOUNTS. We eliminate your transactional sales fee for
purchases made through registered investment advisers, certified financial
planners or registered broker-dealers who charge periodic fees in lieu of
commissions or who charge for financial planning or for investment advisory or
asset management services or provide these services as part of an investment
account where a comprehensive "wrap fee" is imposed (a "FEE ACCOUNT").
This discount applies during the initial offering period and in the
secondary market. Your financial professional may purchase units with the Fee
Account CUSIP number to facilitate purchases under this discount, however, we do
not require that you buy units with this CUSIP number to qualify for the
discount. If you purchase units with this special CUSIP number, you should be
aware that all distributions will automatically reinvest into additional units
of your trust. We reserve the right to limit or deny purchases of units not
subject to the transactional sales charge by investors whose frequent trading
activity we determine to be detrimental to your trust. We, as sponsor, will
receive and you will pay the C&D Fee. See "Expenses of the Trust" in Part B of
the Prospectus.
EXCHANGE OR ROLLOVER OPTION. If you are buying units of the trust in the
primary market with redemption or termination proceeds from any other Claymore
unit trust, you may purchase units at 99% of the maximum Public Offering Price,
which may include an upfront sales charge and a deferred sales charge. You may
also buy units with this reduced sales fee if you are purchasing units in the
primary market with (1) the termination proceeds from a non-Claymore unit trust
with a similar investment strategy or (2) the redemption proceeds from a
non-Claymore trust if such trust has a similar investment strategy and the
corresponding Claymore trust provides a periodic update of that investment
strategy. Such purchases entitled to this sales charge reduction may be
classified as "ROLLOVER PURCHASES."
Rollover Purchases are also subject to the C&D Fee. See "Expenses of the
Trust" in Part B of the Prospectus.
EMPLOYEES. We do not charge the portion of the transactional sales fee that
we would normally pay to your financial professional for purchases made by
officers, directors and employees and their family members (spouses, children
and parents) of Claymore and its affiliates, or by registered representatives of
selling firms and their family members (spouses, children and parents). You pay
only the portion of the fee that the sponsor retains. Such purchases are also
subject to the C&D Fee. This discount applies during the initial offering period
and in the secondary market.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN. We do not charge any transactional sales fee
when you reinvest distributions from your trust into additional units of the
trust. Since the deferred sales fee is a fixed dollar amount per unit, your
trust
18
<Page>
must charge the deferred sales fee per unit regardless of this discount. If you
elect the distribution reinvestment plan, we will credit you with additional
units with a dollar value sufficient to cover the amount of any remaining
deferred sales fee that will be collected on such units at the time of
reinvestment. The dollar value of these units will fluctuate over time. This
discount applies during the initial offering period and in the secondary market.
See "Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Units" in Part B of the prospectus
for more information regarding buying units.
HOW WE DISTRIBUTE UNITS. We sell units to the public through broker-dealers
and other firms. We pay part of the sales fee you pay to these distribution
firms when they sell units. The distribution fee paid for a given transaction is
as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
CONCESSION PER UNIT:
PURCHASE AMOUNT/ (AS A % OF PUBLIC
FORM OF PURCHASE: OFFERING PRICE):
----------------- --------------------
Less than $50,000 %
$50,000 - $99,999
$100,000 - $249,999
$250,000 - $499,999
$500,000 - $999,999
$1,000,000 or more
Rollover Purchases
Fee Account and
Employee Purchases
</Table>
We apply these amounts as a percent of the unit price per transaction at
the time of the transaction. We also apply the different distribution levels on
a unit basis using a $10 unit equivalent. For example, if a firm executes a
transaction between 10,000 and 24,999 units, it earns ____% of the unit price.
We generally register units for sale in various states in the U.S. We do
not register units for sale in any foreign country. It is your financial
professional's responsibility to make sure that units are registered or exempt
from registration if you are a foreign investor or if you want to buy units in
another country. This prospectus does not constitute an offer of units in any
state or country where units cannot be offered or sold lawfully. We may reject
any order for units in whole or in part.
We may gain or lose money when we hold units in the primary or secondary
market due to fluctuations in unit prices. The gain or loss is equal to the
difference between the price we pay for units and the price at which we sell or
redeem them. We may also gain or lose money when we deposit securities to create
units. For example, we lost $____ and $____ on the initial deposit of stocks
into the Dividend Income Trust and the Preferred Plus Trust, respectively.
See "Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Units" in Part B of the prospectus
for additional information.
HOW TO SELL YOUR UNITS
You can sell your units on any business day by contacting your financial
professional or, in some cases, the trustee. Unit prices are available daily on
the Internet at www.claymoresecurities.com or through your financial
professional. We often refer to the sale price of units as the "BID PRICE." You
pay any remaining deferred sales fee when you sell or redeem your units. Certain
broker-dealers may charge a transaction fee for processing unit redemptions or
sale requests.
19
<Page>
Until the end of the initial offering period or six months after the
Inception Date, at the discretion of the sponsor, the price at which the trustee
will redeem units and the price at which the sponsor may repurchase units
include estimated organization costs. After such period, the amount paid will
not include such estimated organization costs.
SELLING UNITS. We intend to, but are not obligated to, maintain a secondary
market for units. This means that if you want to sell your units, we may buy
them at the current price which is based on their net asset value. We may then
resell the units to other investors at the public offering price or redeem them
for the redemption price. Our secondary market repurchase price is generally the
same as the redemption price. Certain broker-dealers might also maintain a
secondary market in units. You should contact your financial professional for
current unit prices to determine the best price available. We may discontinue
our secondary market at any time without notice. Even if we do not make a
market, you will be able to redeem your units with the trustee on any business
day for the current price.
REDEEMING UNITS. You may also be able to redeem your units directly with
the trustee, The Bank of New York, on any day the New York Stock Exchange is
open. The trustee must receive your completed redemption request prior to the
close of the New York Stock Exchange for you to receive the unit price for a
particular day. (For what constitutes a completed redemption request, see
"Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Units - Redemption" in the Part B of the
prospectus.) If your request is received after that time or is incomplete in any
way, you will receive the next price computed after the trustee receives your
completed request. Rather than contacting the trustee directly, your financial
professional may also be able to redeem your units by using the Investors'
Voluntary Redemptions and Sales (IVORS) automated redemption service offered
through Depository Trust Company.
If you redeem your units, the trustee will generally send you a payment for
your units no later than three business days after it receives all necessary
documentation.
You can generally request an in-kind distribution of the stocks underlying
your units if you own units worth at least $25,000 or you originally paid at
least that amount for your units. This option is generally available only for
stocks traded and held in the United States. You may not request this option in
the last five business days of your trust's life. We may modify or discontinue
this option at any time without notice.
EXCHANGE OPTION. You may be able to exchange your units for units of other
Claymore unit trusts at a reduced sales fee. You can contact your financial
professional or Claymore for more information about trusts currently available
for exchanges. Before you exchange units, you should read the prospectus
carefully and understand the risks and fees. You should then discuss this option
with your financial professional to determine whether your investment goals have
changed, whether current trusts suit you and to discuss tax consequences. To
qualify for a reduced sales fee, you must purchase units in a subsequent trust
on the same day that you redeem units of your current trust. We may discontinue
this option at any time.
For more complete information regarding selling or redeeming your units,
see "Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Units" in Part B of the prospectus.
20
<Page>
DISTRIBUTIONS
DIVIDENDS. Your trust generally pays dividends from its net investment
income along with any excess capital on each distribution date to unitholders of
record on the preceding record date. You can elect to:
- reinvest distributions in additional units of your trust at no fee, or
- receive distributions in cash.
You may change your election by contacting your financial professional or
the trustee. Once you elect to participate in a reinvestment program, the
trustee will automatically reinvest your distributions into additional units at
their net asset value on the distribution date. We waive the sales fee for
reinvestments into units of your trust. We cannot guarantee that units will
always be available for reinvestment. If units are unavailable, you will receive
cash distributions. We may discontinue these options at any time without notice.
In some cases, your trust might pay a special distribution if it holds an
excessive amount of principal pending distribution. For example, this could
happen as a result of a merger or similar transaction involving a company whose
stock is in your portfolio. The amount of your distributions will vary from time
to time as companies change their dividends or trust expenses change.
REINVEST IN YOUR TRUST. You can keep your money working by electing to
reinvest your distributions in additional units of your trust. The easiest way
to do this is to have your financial professional purchase units with one of the
Reinvestment CUSIP numbers listed in the "Investment Summary" section of this
prospectus. You may also make or change your election by contacting your
financial professional or the trustee.
REPORTS. The trustee will send your financial professional a statement
showing income and other receipts of your trust for each distribution. Each year
the trustee will also provide an annual report on your trust's activity and
certain tax information. You can request copies of stock evaluations to enable
you to complete your tax forms and audited financial statements for your trust,
if available.
See "Administration of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for
additional information.
INVESTMENT RISKS
ALL INVESTMENTS INVOLVE RISK. This section describes the main risks that
can impact the value of the stocks in your trust. You should understand these
risks before you invest. Recently, equity markets have experienced significant
volatility. If the value of the stocks falls, the value of your units will also
fall. We cannot guarantee that your trust will achieve its objective or that
your investment return will be positive over any period.
MARKET RISK. Market risk is the risk that the value of the stocks will
fluctuate. This could cause the value of your units to fall below your purchase
price. Market value fluctuates in response to various factors. These can include
stock market movements, purchases or sales of securities by the trust,
government policies, litigation, and changes in interest rates, inflation, the
financial condition of the stock's issuer or even perceptions of the issuer.
Even though we carefully supervise your portfolio, you should remember that we
do not manage your portfolio. Your trust will not sell a stock solely because
the market value falls as is possible in a managed fund.
21
<Page>
High yield or "junk" securities that are rated below investment grade are
generally more susceptible to this risk than investment grade securities.
INTEREST RATE RISK. Interest rate risk is the risk that securities in the
Preferred Plus Trust will decline in value because of a rise in interest rates.
Generally, securities that pay fixed rates of return will increase in value when
interest rates decline and decrease in value when interest rates rise.
Typically, securities that pay fixed rates of return with longer periods before
maturity are more sensitive to interest rate changes. High yield or "junk"
securities that are rated below investment grade are generally more susceptible
to this risk than investment grade securities.
CREDIT AND DIVIDEND PAYMENT RISK. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer of a
security in a trust is unable or unwilling to make dividend and/or principal
payments. Trust preferred securities are subject to unique risks which include
the fact that dividend payments will only be paid if interest payments on the
underlying obligations are made. Such interest payments are dependent on the
financial condition of the issuer. Dividend payments for both preferred stocks
and trust preferred securities may not be paid at all or may generally be
deferred for up to 20 consecutive quarters. High yield or "junk" securities that
are rated below investment grade are generally more susceptible to this risk
than investment grade securities.
CALL RISK. Call risk is the risk that securities can be prepaid or "called"
by the issuer before their stated maturity. If securities are called, your
income will decline and you may not be able to reinvest the money you receive at
as high a yield. Also, an early call at par of a security trading at a premium
will reduce your return. Securities in the Preferred Plus Trust are more likely
to be called when interest rates decline. This would result in early returns of
principal to you and may result in early termination of the trust. The dates and
prices upon which the securities are first subject to optional calls are
provided in "The Trust Portfolio." The securities may also be subject to special
or extraordinary call provisions and "mandatory put" features that may cause the
securities to be removed from the Preferred Plus Trust prior to maturity or
stated call dates. High yield or "junk" securities that are rated below
investment grade are generally more susceptible to this risk than investment
grade securities.
SECURITY QUALITY RISK. Security quality risk is the risk that a reduction in
a securities rating may decrease its value and the value of your investment in a
trust. Securities ratings may be reduced at any time, including during the
primary offering period of a trust. High yield or "junk" securities that are
rated below investment grade are generally more susceptible to this risk than
investment grade securities.
SPLIT RATINGS RISK. Split-rated securities are those securities that, at
the time of investment, are rated below investment grade by Moody's or
Standard & Poor's, so long as at least one rating agency rates such
securities within the four highest grades (i.e., investment grade quality).
This means that a split-rated security may be regarded by one rating agency
as having predominately speculative characteristics with respect to the
issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal, and accordingly
subject to a greater risk of default. The prices of split-rated securities,
in the view of one but not all rating agencies, may be more sensitive than
securities without a split-rating to negative developments, such as a decline
in the issuer's
22
<Page>
revenues or a general economic downturn. Preferred securities are
subordinated borrowing to bonds and other debt instruments in a company's
capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and therefore
will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments.
HIGH YIELD SECURITIES RISK. On the Inception Date approximately 10% of the
securities in Preferred Plus Trust's portfolio are "high yield" or "junk"
securities rated below investment grade by either Moody's or Standard & Poor's.
High yield, high risk securities are subject to greater market fluctuations and
risk of loss than securities with higher investment ratings. The value of these
securities will decline significantly with increases in interest rates, not only
because increase in rates generally decrease values, but also because increased
rates may indicate an economic slowdown. An economic slowdown, or a reduction in
an issuer's creditworthiness, may affect an issuer's ability to make dividend
payments.
High yield or "junk" securities, the general names for securities rated below
"BBB" by Standard & Poor's and "Baa" by Moody's, are frequently issued by
corporations in the growth state of their development or by established
companies who are highly leveraged or whose operations or industries are
depressed. Obligations rated below investment grade should be considered
speculative as these ratings indicate a quality of less than investment grade.
Because high-yield securities are generally subordinated obligations and are
perceived by investors to be riskier than higher rated securities, their prices
tend to fluctuate more than higher rated securities and are affected by
short-term credit developments to a greater degree. Also, the market for
high-yield securities is generally smaller and less liquid than that for
investment grade securities.
INFLATION RISK. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income
from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of
money.
TAX AND TAX LEGISLATION RISK. Tax legislation or positions taken by the
Internal Revenue Service could affect the value of the Preferred Plus Trust
by changing the tax characterizations of preferred stocks and trust preferred
securities or the securities underlying the trust preferred securities.
Congress has considered such proposals in the past and may do so in the
future.
LITIGATION AND LEGISLATION RISK. Your trust is also subject to litigation
and legislation risk.
From time to time, various legislative initiatives are proposed in the United
States and abroad which may have a negative impact on certain of the companies
represented in the trust. In addition, litigation regarding any of the issuers
of the securities such as that concerning Altria Group, Incorporated, or of the
industries represented by these issuers, may raise potential bankruptcy concerns
and may negatively impact the share prices of these securities. We cannot
predict what impact any pending or threatened litigation or any bankruptcy
concerns will have on the share prices of the securities.
CONCENTRATION RISK. When securities in a particular industry make up 25% or
more of a trust, it is said to be "concentrated" in that industry which makes
the trust subject to more market risk. The _______________ Trust is concentrated
in the securities of financial services companies. The ___________ Trust is
concentrated in preferred stocks and/or trust preferred securities.
23
<Page>
FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY. Here is what you should know about a
concentration in securities of the financial services industry:
- Banks and thrifts must contend with volatile interest rates; the adverse
effects of economic recession; competition; portfolio concentrations in
geographic markets and in real estate loans; and significant regulation.
- Insurance companies must contend with interest rate movements; the
imposition of premium rate caps; competition and pressure to compete
globally; weather catastrophes and other disasters that require payouts;
mortality rates; and government regulation or tax law changes.
- Investment firms must contend with shrinking profit margins due to new
competitors; the cost of new technology; and the pressure to compete
globally.
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES. Here is what you should know about a
concentration in trust preferred securities. In addition to the risks set forth
above, trust preferred securities are also subject to the following risks:
- Trust preferred securities are designed to create the same business risk
for an investor as if the investor had bought the securities underlying
the trust preferred securities. A corporation's ability to pay
distributions on the trust preferred securities is generally dependent on
whether the corporation issuing the securities is able to pay interest on
the underlying securities.
- Unitholders have no right to accelerate the trust preferred securities or
the underlying securities for non-payment.
- A corporation issuing the underlying securities may elect to defer
interest payments on those securities at any time during the life of the
trust preferred securities for up to 20 consecutive quarters. If such an
election is made, distributions on the trust preferred securities will not
be made during the deferral period. During any deferral period investors
may be taxed as if the trust had received current income. In such a case,
unitholders will have income taxes due, but will not have received income
distributions to pay the taxes.
- Tax or regulatory changes may change the tax characterization of the trust
preferred securities or the underlying securities, and, as a result, may
effect the value of your units.
- Trust preferred securities may be subject to redemption after a certain
call date or as a result of certain tax or regulatory events. This may
occur prior to maturity or the trust's termination.
FOREIGN RISKS. Certain of the securities included in the trusts may be
securities and/or American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") of foreign companies.
ADRs are denominated in U.S. dollars and are typically issued by a U.S. bank
or trust company. An ADR evidences ownership of an underlying foreign
security. The Trustee acts as the depositary for a number of ADRs. The
presence of either ADRs or other foreign securities in a portfolio is
indicated in "The Trust Portfolio" for a trust.
24
<Page>
Foreign securities present risks beyond securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign
securities may be affected by:
- Adverse political, diplomatic and economic developments;
- Political or economic instability;
- Higher brokerage costs;
- Currency risk;
- Less liquidity;
- More volatile prices;
- Reduced government regulation;
- Different accounting standards;
- Foreign taxation; and
- Less publicly available information.
The U.S. and foreign equity markets often rise and fall at different times or
by different amounts due to economic or other developments particular to a given
country. This phenomenon would tend to lower the overall price volatility of a
trust that included both U.S. and foreign securities. Sometimes, however, global
trends will cause the U.S. and foreign markets to move in the same direction,
reducing or eliminating the risk reduction benefit of international investing.
See "Risk Factors" in Part B of the prospectus for additional information.
HOW THE TRUST WORKS
YOUR TRUST. Your trust is a unit investment trust registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Act of 1933. We created the
trust under a trust agreement between Claymore Securities, Inc. (as sponsor,
evaluator and supervisor) and The Bank of New York (as trustee). To create your
trust, we deposited contracts to purchase stocks with the trustee along with an
irrevocable letter of credit or other consideration to pay for the stocks. In
exchange, the trustee delivered units of your trust to us. Each unit represents
an undivided interest in the assets of your trust. These units remain
outstanding until redeemed or until your trust terminates.
CHANGING YOUR PORTFOLIO. Your trust is not a managed fund. Unlike a managed
fund, we designed your portfolio to remain relatively fixed after its inception.
Your trust will generally buy and sell stocks:
- to pay expenses,
- to issue additional units or redeem units,
- in limited circumstances to protect the trust,
- to make required distributions or avoid imposition of taxes on the
trust, or
- as permitted by the trust agreement.
Your trust will generally reject any offer for securities or property other
than cash in exchange for the stocks in its portfolio. However, if a public
tender offer has been made for a stock or a merger or acquisition has been
announced affecting a stock, your trust may either sell the stock or accept a
tender offer for cash if the supervisor determines that the sale or tender is in
the best interest of unitholders. The trustee will distribute any cash proceeds
to unitholders. If your trust receives securities or property other than cash,
it may either hold the securities or property in its portfolio or sell the
securities or property and
25
<Page>
distribute the proceeds. For example, this could happen in a merger or
similar transaction.
We will increase the size of your trust as we sell units. When we create
additional units, we will seek to replicate the existing portfolio. When your
trust buys stocks, it will pay brokerage or other acquisition fees. You could
experience a dilution of your investment because of these fees and fluctuations
in stock prices between the time we create units and the time your trust buys
the stocks. When your trust buys or sells stocks, we may direct that it place
orders with and pay brokerage commissions to brokers that sell units or are
affiliated with your trust. We may consider whether a firm sells units of our
trusts when we select firms to handle these transactions.
TERMINATION OF YOUR TRUST. Your trust will terminate no later than the
termination date listed in the "Investment Summary" section of this prospectus.
The trustee may terminate your trust early if the value of the trust is less
than 20% of the value of the stocks in the trust at the end of the initial
offering period. At this size, the expenses of your trust may create an undue
burden on your investment. Investors owning two-thirds of the units in your
trust may also vote to terminate the trust early. We may also terminate your
trust in other limited circumstances.
The trustee will notify you of any termination and sell any remaining
stocks. The trustee will send your final distribution to you within a reasonable
time following liquidation of all the stocks after deducting final expenses.
Your termination distribution may be less than the price you originally paid for
your units. You may be able to request an in-kind distribution of the stocks
underlying your units at termination. Please refer to the section entitled "How
to Sell Your Units - Redeeming Units" for information on in-kind distributions.
See "Administration of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for
additional information.
GENERAL INFORMATION
CLAYMORE. Claymore Securities, Inc. specializes in the creation,
development and distribution of investment solutions for advisors and their
valued clients. In November 2001, we changed our name from Ranson & Associates,
Inc. to Claymore Securities, Inc. During our history we have been active in
public and corporate finance and have distributed bonds, mutual funds and unit
trusts in the primary and secondary markets. We are a registered broker-dealer
and member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. If we fail to
or cannot perform our duties as sponsor or become bankrupt, the trustee may
replace us, continue to operate your trust without a sponsor, or terminate your
trust. You can contact us at our headquarters at 210 North Hale Road, Wheaton,
Illinois 60187 or by using the contacts listed on the back cover of this
prospectus. Claymore personnel may from time to time maintain a position in
certain stocks held by the trust.
Claymore and your trust have adopted a code of ethics requiring Claymore's
employees who have access to information on trust transactions to report
personal securities transactions. The purpose of the code is to avoid potential
conflicts of interest and to prevent fraud, deception or misconduct with respect
to your trust.
See "Administration of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for
additional information.
THE TRUSTEE. The Bank of New York is the trustee of your trust. It is a
trust company
26
<Page>
organized under New York law. You can contact the trustee by calling the
telephone number on the back cover of this prospectus or write to Unit
Investment Trust Division, 101 Barclay Street, 20th Fl., New York, New York
10286. We may remove and replace the trustee in some cases without your
consent. The trustee may also resign by notifying Claymore and investors.
See "Administration of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for
additional information.
EXPENSES
Your trust will pay various expenses to conduct its operations. The
"Investment Summary" section of this prospectus shows the estimated amount of
these expenses.
Your trust will pay a fee to the trustee for its services. The trustee also
benefits when it holds cash for your trust in non-interest bearing accounts.
Your trust will reimburse us as supervisor and evaluator for providing portfolio
supervisory services and for evaluating your portfolio. Our reimbursements may
exceed the costs of the services we provide to your trust but will not exceed
the costs of services provided to all Claymore unit investment trusts in any
calendar year. All of these fees may adjust for inflation without your approval.
Your trust will pay a fee to the sponsor for creating and developing the
trust, including determining the trust objective, policies, composition and
size, selecting service providers and information services, and for providing
other similar administrative and ministerial functions. Your trust pays this
"creation and development fee" of $0.05 per unit from the assets of the trust as
of the close of the initial public offering period. The sponsor does not use the
fee to pay distribution expenses or as compensation for sales efforts.
Your trust will also pay its general operating expenses, including any
licensing fees. Your trust may pay expenses such as trustee expenses (including
legal and auditing expenses), various governmental charges, fees for
extraordinary trustee services, costs of taking action to protect your trust,
costs of indemnifying the trustee and Claymore, legal fees and expenses,
expenses incurred in contacting you and costs incurred to reimburse the trustee
for advancing funds to meet distributions. Your trust may pay the costs of
updating its registration statement each year. The trustee may sell securities
to pay trust expenses.
See "Expenses of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for additional
information.
27
<Page>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
UNITHOLDERS
CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 161
We have audited the accompanying statements of financial condition,
including the trust portfolios set forth on pages ___, ___ and ___ of this
prospectus, of Claymore Securities Defined Portfolios, Series 161, as of
December , 2003, the initial date of deposit. These statements of financial
condition are the responsibility of the trusts' sponsor. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on these statements of financial condition based on our
audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
statements of financial condition are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the statements of financial condition. Our procedures included
confirmation with The Bank of New York, trustee, of cash deposited for the
purchases of securities, as shown in the statements of financial condition as of
December , 2003. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by the sponsor, as well as evaluating the
overall statement of financial condition presentation. We believe that our audit
of the statements of financial condition provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the statements of financial condition referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Claymore
Securities Defined Portfolios, Series 161 as of December , 2003, in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Grant Thornton LLP
Chicago, Illinois
December , 2003
28
<Page>
CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 161
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AS OF THE INCEPTION DATE, DECEMBER , 2003
<Table>
<Caption>
DIVIDEND PREFERRED
INCOME PLUS
TRUST TRUST
------------ -----------
INVESTMENT IN STOCKS
Sponsor's contracts to purchase underlying stocks
backed by cash deposited(1)(2) $ $
------------ -----------
============ ===========
LIABILITIES AND INTEREST OF INVESTORS
Liabilities:
Organization costs(3) $ $
Deferred sales fee(4)
------------ -----------
Interest of investors:
Cost to investors(5)
Less: gross underwriting commission and
organization costs(3)(4)(5)(6)
------------ -----------
Net interest of investors
------------ -----------
Total $ $
============ ===========
Number of units
============ ===========
Net Asset Value per Unit $ $
============ ===========
</Table>
- ----------
(1) Aggregate cost of the securities is based on the closing sale price
evaluations as determined by the trustee.
(2) Cash and/or a letter of credit has been deposited with The Bank of New
York, trustee, covering each fund (aggregating $______ and $______)
necessary for the purchase of the securities in the Dividend Income Trust
and the Preferred Plus Trust respectively, represented by purchase
contracts.
(3) A portion of the Public Offering Price represents an amount sufficient to
pay for all or a portion of the costs incurred in establishing the trusts.
These costs have been estimated at $5.00 per 100 units for each trust. A
distribution will be made as of the close of the initial offering period or
six months after the initial date of deposit (at the discretion of the
sponsor) to an account maintained by the trustee from which this obligation
of the investors will be satisfied. To the extent that actual organization
costs are greater than the estimated amount, only the estimated
organization costs added to the public offering price will be deducted from
the assets of a trust.
(4) The total transactional sales fee consists of an initial sales fee and a
deferred sales fee. The initial sales fee is equal to the difference
between the maximum sales fee and the sum of the remaining deferred sales
fee and the C&D Fee. On the Inception Date, the total transactional sales
fee is _____% (equivalent to ____% of the net amount invested). The
deferred sales fee is equal to $____ per unit.
(5) The aggregate cost to investors includes the applicable transactional sales
fee assuming no reduction of transactional sales fees for quantity
purchases.
(6) Each trust is committed to pay a creation and development fee of $5.00 per
100 units at the close of the initial public offering period.
29
<Page>
(This page has been left blank intentionally.)
<Page>
CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS
CLAYMORE EQUITY PORTFOLIO PROSPECTUS
PROSPECTUS PART B DATED_______, 2003
THE PROSPECTUS FOR A CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIO (A "TRUST") IS
DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS. PART A OF THE PROSPECTUS RELATES EXCLUSIVELY TO A
PARTICULAR TRUST OR TRUSTS AND PROVIDES SPECIFIC INFORMATION REGARDING EACH
TRUST'S PORTFOLIO, STRATEGIES, INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, EXPENSES, FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS, INCOME AND CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS, HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION, RISK FACTORS AND OPTIONAL FEATURES. PART B OF THE PROSPECTUS
PROVIDES MORE GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED
PORTFOLIOS. YOU SHOULD READ BOTH PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS AND RETAIN THEM FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PART A OF THE PROSPECTUS, THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PART B WILL APPLY TO EACH TRUST.
CONTENTS
<Table>
General Information 2
Investment Policies 2
Risk Factors 3
Administration of the Trust 8
Expenses of the Trust 12
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage Allocation 14
Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Units 14
Taxes 18
Experts 20
Performance Information 20
</Table>
<Page>
GENERAL INFORMATION
Each trust is one of a series of separate unit investment trusts created
under the name Claymore Securities Defined Portfolios and registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Act of 1933. Each trust was
created as a common law trust on the inception date described in the prospectus
under the laws of the state of New York. Each trust was created under a trust
agreement among Claymore Securities, Inc. (as sponsor, evaluator and supervisor)
and The Bank of New York (as trustee).
When your trust was created, the sponsor delivered to the trustee
securities or contracts for the purchase thereof for deposit in the trust and
the trustee delivered to the sponsor documentation evidencing the ownership of
units of the trust. After your trust is created, the sponsor may deposit
additional securities in the trust, contracts to purchase additional securities
along with cash (or a bank letter of credit in lieu of cash) to pay for such
contracted securities or cash (including a letter of credit) with instructions
to purchase additional securities. Such additional deposits will be in amounts
which will seek to maintain, for the first 90 days, as closely as possible the
same original percentage relationship among the number of shares of each
security in the trust established by the initial deposit of securities and,
thereafter, the same percentage relationship that existed on such 90th day. If
the sponsor deposits cash, existing and new investors may experience a dilution
of their investments and a reduction in their anticipated income because of
fluctuations in the prices of the securities between the time of the cash
deposit and the purchase of the securities and because the trust will pay the
associated brokerage fees.
A trust consists of (a) the securities listed under "Trust Portfolio" in
the prospectus as may continue to be held from time to time in the trust, (b)
any additional securities acquired and held by the trust pursuant to the
provisions of the trust agreement and (c) any cash held in the accounts of the
trust. Neither the sponsor nor the trustee shall be liable in any way for any
failure in any of the securities. However, should any contract for the purchase
of any of the securities initially deposited in a trust fail, the sponsor will,
unless substantially all of the moneys held in the trust to cover such purchase
are reinvested in substitute securities in accordance with the trust agreement,
refund the cash and sales charge attributable to such failed contract to all
unitholders on the next distribution date.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The trust is a unit investment trust and is not an "actively managed" fund.
Traditional methods of investment management for a managed fund typically
involve frequent changes in a portfolio of securities on the basis of economic,
financial and market analysis. The portfolio of a trust, however, will not be
actively managed and therefore the adverse financial condition of an issuer will
not necessarily require the sale of its securities from a portfolio.
The trust agreement provides that the sponsor may (but need not) direct the
trustee to dispose of a security in certain events such as the issuer having
defaulted on the payment on any of its outstanding obligations or the price of a
security has declined to such an extent or other such credit factors exist so
that in the opinion of the sponsor the retention of such securities would be
detrimental to the trust. If a public tender offer has been made for a security
or a merger or acquisition has been announced affecting a security, the trustee
may either sell the security or accept a tender offer for cash if the supervisor
determines that the sale or tender is in the best interest of unitholders. The
trustee will distribute any cash proceeds to unitholders. Pursuant to the trust
agreement and with limited exceptions, the trustee may sell any securities or
other properties acquired in exchange for securities such as those acquired in
connection with a merger or other transaction. If offered such new or exchanged
securities or property other than cash, the trustee shall reject the offer.
However, in the event such securities or property are nonetheless acquired by
the trust, they may be accepted for deposit in a trust and either sold by the
trustee or held in a trust pursuant to the direction of the sponsor. Proceeds
from the sale of securities (or any securities or other property received by the
trust in exchange for securities) are credited to the Capital Account for
distribution to unitholders or to meet redemptions.
Except as stated in the trust agreement, or in the prospectus, the
acquisition by the trust of any securities other than the portfolio securities
is prohibited. The trustee may sell securities, designated by the sponsor, from
the trust for
2
<Page>
the purpose of redeeming units of a trust tendered for redemption and the
payment of expenses and for such other purposes as permitted under the trust
agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the trustee is authorized to reinvest any
funds held in the Capital or Income Accounts, pending distribution, in U.S.
Treasury obligations which mature on or before the next applicable distribution
date. Any obligations so acquired must be held until they mature and proceeds
therefrom may not be reinvested.
Proceeds from the sale of securities (or any securities or other property
received by a trust in exchange for securities) are credited to the Capital
Account of a trust for distribution to unitholders or to meet redemptions.
Except for failed securities and as provided in the prospectus or in the trust
agreement, the acquisition by a trust of any securities other than the portfolio
securities is prohibited. The trustee may sell securities from a trust for
limited purposes, including redeeming units tendered for redemption and the
payment of expenses.
RISK FACTORS
STOCKS. An investment in units of a trust should be made with an
understanding of the risks inherent in an investment in equity securities,
including the risk that the financial condition of issuers of the securities may
become impaired or that the general condition of the stock market may worsen
(both of which may contribute directly to a decrease in the value of the
securities and thus, in the value of the units) or the risk that holders of
common stock have a right to receive payments from the issuers of those stocks
that is generally inferior to that of creditors of, or holders of debt
obligations issued by, the issuers and that the rights of holders of common
stock generally rank inferior to the rights of holders of preferred stock.
Common stocks are especially susceptible to general stock market movements and
to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence in and
perceptions of the issuers change. These perceptions are based on unpredictable
factors including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and
fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic expansion or
contraction, and global or regional political, economic or banking crises.
Holders of common stock incur more risk than the holders of preferred
stocks and debt obligations because common stockholders, as owners of the
entity, have generally inferior rights to receive payments from the issuer in
comparison with the rights of creditors of, or holders of debt obligations or
preferred stock issued by the issuer. Holders of common stock of the type held
by a trust have a right to receive dividends only when and if, and in the
amounts, declared by the issuer's board of directors and to participate in
amounts available for distribution by the issuer only after all other claims on
the issuer have been paid or provided for. By contrast, holders of preferred
stock have the right to receive dividends at a fixed rate when and as declared
by the issuer's board of directors, normally on a cumulative basis, but do not
participate in other amounts available for distribution by the issuing
corporation. Cumulative preferred stock dividends must be paid before common
stock dividends and any cumulative preferred stock dividend omitted is added to
future dividends payable to the holders of cumulative preferred stock. Preferred
stocks are also entitled to rights on liquidation which are senior to those of
common stocks. Moreover, common stocks do not represent an obligation of the
issuer and therefore do not offer any assurance of income or provide the degree
of protection of capital debt securities. Indeed, the issuance of debt
securities or even preferred stock will create prior claims for payment of
principal, interest, liquidation preferences and dividends which could adversely
affect the ability and inclination of the issuer to declare or pay dividends on
its common stock or the rights of holders of common stock with respect to assets
of the issuer upon liquidation or bankruptcy. Further, unlike debt securities
which typically have a stated principal amount payable at maturity (whose value,
however, will be subject to market fluctuations prior thereto), common stocks
have neither a fixed principal amount nor a maturity and have values which are
subject to market fluctuations for as long as the stocks remain outstanding. The
value of the securities in a portfolio thus may be expected to fluctuate over
the entire life of a trust to values higher or lower than those prevailing at
the time of purchase.
The sponsor's buying and selling of the securities, especially during the
initial offering of units of the trust or to satisfy redemptions of units may
impact upon the value of the underlying securities and the units. The
publication of the list of the securities selected for the trust may also cause
increased buying activity in certain of the stocks comprising
3
<Page>
the portfolio. After such announcement, investment advisory and brokerage
clients of the sponsor and its affiliates may purchase individual securities
appearing on the list during the course of the initial offering period or may
purchase warrants issued by the sponsor or its affiliates which are based on the
performance of the securities on the list. The sponsor or its affiliates may
also purchase securities as a hedge against its risk on the warrants (although
generally the sponsor and its affiliates will not purchase securities for their
own account until after the trust portfolio has been acquired). Such buying
activity in the stock of these companies or issuance of the warrants prior to
the purchase of the securities by the trust may cause the trust to purchase
stocks at a higher price than those buyers who effect purchases by the trust.
FIXED PORTFOLIO. Investors should be aware that the trust is not "managed"
and as a result, the adverse financial condition of a company will not result in
the elimination of its securities from the portfolio of the trust except under
extraordinary circumstances. Investors should note in particular that the
securities were selected on the basis of the criteria set forth in the
prospectus and that the trust may continue to purchase or hold securities
originally selected through this process even though the evaluation of the
attractiveness of the securities may have changed. A number of the securities in
the trust may also be owned by other clients of the sponsor. However, because
these clients may have differing investment objectives, the sponsor may sell
certain securities from those accounts in instances where a sale by the trust
would be impermissible, such as to maximize return by taking advantage of market
fluctuations. In the event a public tender offer is made for a security or a
merger or acquisition is announced affecting a security, the sponsor may
instruct the trustee to tender or sell the security on the open market when, in
its opinion, it is in the best interest of the unitholders of the unit to do so.
Although the portfolio is regularly reviewed and evaluated and the sponsor may
instruct the trustee to sell securities under certain limited circumstances,
securities will not be sold by the trust to take advantage of market
fluctuations or changes in anticipated rates of appreciation. As a result, the
amount realized upon the sale of the securities may not be the highest price
attained by an individual security during the life of the trust. The prices of
single shares of each of the securities in the trust vary widely, and the effect
of a dollar of fluctuation, either higher or lower, in stock prices will be much
greater as a percentage of the lower-price stocks' purchase price than as a
percentage of the higher-price stocks' purchase price.
LIQUIDITY. Whether or not the securities are listed on a national
securities exchange, the principal trading market for the securities may be in
the over-the-counter market. As a result, the existence of a liquid trading
market for the securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in
the securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made for any of
the securities, that any market for the securities will be maintained or of the
liquidity of the securities in any markets made. In addition, a trust is
restricted under the Investment Company Act of 1940 from selling securities to
the sponsor. The price at which the securities may be sold to meet redemptions
and the value of a trust will be adversely affected if trading markets for the
securities are limited or absent.
ADDITIONAL DEPOSITS. The trust agreement authorizes the sponsor to increase
the size of a trust and the number of units thereof by the deposit of additional
securities, or cash (including a letter of credit) with instructions to purchase
additional securities, in such trust and the issuance of a corresponding number
of additional units. If the sponsor deposits cash, existing and new investors
may experience a dilution of their investments and a reduction in their
anticipated income because of fluctuations in the prices of the securities
between the time of the cash deposit and the purchase of the securities and
because a trust will pay the associated brokerage fees. To minimize this effect,
the trusts will attempt to purchase the securities as close to the evaluation
time or as close to the evaluation prices as possible.
Some of the securities may have limited trading volume. The trustee, with
directions from the sponsor, will endeavor to purchase securities with deposited
cash as soon as practicable reserving the right to purchase those securities
over the 20 business days following each deposit in an effort to reduce the
effect of these purchases on the market price of those stocks. This could,
however, result in the trusts' failure to participate in any appreciation of
those stocks before the cash is invested. If any cash remains at the end of this
period (and such date is within the 90-day period following the inception date)
and cannot be invested in one or more stocks, at what the sponsor considers
reasonable prices, it intends to use that cash to purchase each of the other
securities in the original proportionate relationship among those securities.
Similarly, at termination of the trust, the sponsor reserves the right to sell
securities over a period of up to
4
<Page>
20 business days to lessen the impact of its sales on the market price of the
securities. The proceeds received by unitholders following termination of the
trust will reflect the actual sales proceeds received on the securities, which
will likely differ from the closing sale price on the termination date.
LITIGATION AND LEGISLATION. At any time litigation may be initiated on a
variety of grounds, or legislation may be enacted with respect to the securities
in a trust or the issuers of the securities. There can be no assurance that
future litigation or legislation will not have a material adverse effect on the
trust or will not impair the ability of issuers to achieve their business goals.
TOBACCO INDUSTRY. Certain of the issuers of securities in the trust may be
involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of tobacco products. Pending
litigation proceedings against such issuers in the United States and abroad
cover a wide range of matters including product liability and consumer
protection. Damages claimed in such litigation alleging personal injury (both
individual and class actions), and in health cost recovery cases brought by
governments, labor unions and similar entities seeking reimbursement for health
care expenditures, aggregate many billions of dollars.
In November 1998, certain companies in the U.S. tobacco industry entered
into a negotiated settlement with several states which would result in the
resolution of significant litigation and regulatory issues affecting the tobacco
industry generally. The proposed settlement, while extremely costly to the
tobacco industry, would significantly reduce uncertainties facing the industry
and increase stability in business and capital markets. Future litigation and/or
legislation could adversely affect the value, operating revenues and financial
position of tobacco companies. The sponsor is unable to predict the outcome of
litigation pending against tobacco companies or how the current uncertainty
concerning regulatory and legislative measures will ultimately be resolved.
These and other possible developments may have a significant impact upon both
the price of such securities and the value of units of a trust containing such
securities.
FINANCIAL SERVICES RISKS. Certain of the issuers of securities in a trust
may be involved in the financial services industry. An investment in units of a
trust containing securities of such issuers should be made with an understanding
of the problems and risks inherent in the financial services industry in
general.
Banks, thrifts and their holding companies are especially subject to the
adverse effects of economic recession, volatile interest rates, portfolio
concentrations in geographic markets and in commercial and residential real
estate loans, and competition from new entrants in their fields of business.
Banks and thrifts are highly dependent on net interest margin. Recently, bank
profits have come under pressure as net interest margins have contracted, but
volume gains have been strong in both commercial and consumer products. There is
no certainty that such conditions will continue. Bank and thrift institutions
had received significant consumer mortgage fee income as a result of activity in
mortgage and refinance markets. As initial home purchasing and refinancing
activity subsided, this income diminished. Economic conditions in the real
estate markets, which have been weak in the past, can have a substantial effect
upon banks and thrifts and their holding companies are subject to extensive
federal regulation and, when such institutions are state-chartered, to state
regulation as well. Such regulations impose strict capital requirements and
limitations on the nature and extent of business activities that banks and
thrifts may pursue. Furthermore, bank regulators have a wide range of discretion
in connection with their supervisory and enforcement authority and may
substantially restrict the permissible activities of a particular institution if
deemed to pose significant risks to the soundness of such institution or the
safety of the federal deposit insurance fund. Regulatory actions, such as
increases in the minimum capital requirements applicable to banks and thrifts
and increases in deposit insurance premiums required to be paid by banks and
thrifts to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), can negatively
impact earnings and the ability of a company to pay dividends. Neither federal
insurance of deposits nor governmental regulations, however, insures the
solvency or profitability of banks or their holding companies, or insures
against any risk of investment in the securities issued by such institutions.
The statutory requirements applicable to and regulatory supervision of
banks, thrifts and their holding companies have undergone substantial change in
recent years. The recently enacted Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act repealed most of the
barriers set up by the 1933 Glass-Steagall Act which separated the banking,
insurance and securities industries. Now
5
<Page>
banks, insurance companies and securities firms can merge to form one-stop
financial conglomerates marketing a wide range of financial service products to
investors. This legislation will likely result in increased merger activity and
heightened competition among existing and new participants in the field.
Starting in mid-1997, banks have been allowed to turn existing banks into
branches. Consolidation is likely to continue. The Securities and Exchange
Commission and the Financial Accounting Standards Board require the expanded use
of market value accounting by banks and have imposed rules requiring market
accounting for investment securities held in trading accounts or available for
sale. Adoption of additional such rules may result in increased volatility in
the reported health of the industry, and mandated regulatory intervention to
correct such problems. Additional legislative and regulatory changes may be
forthcoming. In addition, from time to time the deposit insurance system is
reviewed by Congress and federal regulators, and proposed reforms of that system
could, among other things, further restrict the ways in which deposited moneys
can be used by banks or reduce the dollar amount or number of deposits insured
for any depositor. Such reforms could reduce profitability as investment
opportunities available to bank institutions become more limited and as
consumers look for savings vehicles other than bank deposits. Banks and thrifts
face significant competition from other financial institutions such as mutual
funds, credit unions, mortgage banking companies and insurance companies, and
increased competition may result from legislative broadening of regional and
national interstate banking powers as has been recently enacted. Among other
benefits, the legislation allows banks and bank holding companies to acquire
across previously prohibited state lines and to consolidate their various bank
subsidiaries into one unit. The sponsor makes no prediction as to what, if any,
manner of bank and thrift regulatory actions might ultimately be adopted or what
ultimate effect such actions might have on the trust's portfolio.
Companies involved in the insurance industry are engaged in underwriting,
reinsuring, selling, distributing or placing of property and casualty, life or
health insurance. Other growth areas within the insurance industry include
brokerage, reciprocals, claims processors and multi-line insurance companies.
Insurance company profits are affected by interest rate levels, general economic
conditions, and price and marketing competition. Property and casualty insurance
profits may also be affected by weather catastrophes and other disasters. Life
and health insurance profits may be affected by mortality and morbidity rates.
Individual companies may be exposed to material risks including reserve
inadequacy and the inability to collect from reinsurance carriers. Insurance
companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation, including the
imposition of maximum rate levels, which may not be adequate for some lines of
business. Proposed or potential tax law changes may also adversely affect
insurance companies' policy sales, tax obligations, and profitability. In
addition to the foregoing, profit margins of these companies continue to shrink
due to the commoditization of traditional businesses, new competitors, capital
expenditures on new technology and the pressures to compete globally.
In addition to the normal risks of business, companies involved in the
insurance industry are subject to significant risk factors, including those
applicable to regulated insurance companies, such as: (i) the inherent
uncertainty in the process of establishing property-liability loss reserves,
particularly reserves for the cost of environmental, asbestos and mass tort
claims, and the fact that ultimate losses could materially exceed established
loss reserves which could have a material adverse effect on results of
operations and financial condition; (ii) the fact that insurance companies have
experienced, and can be expected in the future to experience, catastrophe losses
which could have a material adverse impact on their financial condition, results
of operations and cash flow; (iii) the inherent uncertainty in the process of
establishing property-liability loss reserves due to changes in loss payment
patterns caused by new claims settlement practices; (iv) the need for insurance
companies and their subsidiaries to maintain appropriate levels of statutory
capital and surplus, particularly in light of continuing scrutiny by rating
organizations and state insurance regulatory authorities, and in order to
maintain acceptable financial strength or claims-paying ability rating; (v) the
extensive regulation and supervision to which insurance companies' subsidiaries
are subject, various regulatory initiatives that may affect insurance companies,
and regulatory and other legal actions; (vi) the adverse impact that increases
in interest rates could have on the value of an insurance company's investment
portfolio and on the attractiveness of certain of its products; (vii) the need
to adjust the effective duration of the assets and liabilities of life insurance
operations in order to meet the anticipated cash flow requirements of its
policyholder obligations; and (vii) the uncertainty involved in estimating the
availability of reinsurance and the collectibility of reinsurance recoverables.
6
<Page>
The state insurance regulatory framework has, during recent years, come
under increased federal scrutiny, and certain state legislatures have considered
or enacted laws that alter and, in many cases, increase state authority to
regulate insurance companies and insurance holding company systems. Further, the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") and state insurance
regulators are re-examining existing laws and regulations, specifically focusing
on insurance companies, interpretations of existing laws and the development of
new laws. In addition, Congress and certain federal agencies have investigated
the condition of the insurance industry in the United States to determine
whether to promulgate additional federal regulations. The sponsor is unable to
predict whether any state or federal legislation will be enacted to change the
nature or scope of regulation of the insurance industry, or what effect, if any,
such legislation would have on the industry.
All insurance companies are subject to state laws and regulations that
require diversification of their investment portfolios and limit the amount of
investments in certain investment categories. Failure to comply with these laws
and regulations could cause non-conforming investments to be treated as
non-admitted assets for purposes of measuring statutory surplus and, in some
instances, would require divestiture.
Environmental pollution clean-up is the subject of both federal and state
regulation. By some estimates, there are thousands of potential waste sites
subject to clean up. The insurance industry is involved in extensive litigation
regarding coverage issues. The Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation
and Liability Act of 1980 ("SUPERFUND") and comparable state statutes
("MINI-SUPERFUND") govern the clean-up and restoration by "Potentially
Responsible Parties" ("PRP's"). Superfund and the mini-Superfunds
("ENVIRONMENTAL CLEAN-UP LAWS" or "ECLs") establish a mechanism to pay for
clean-up of waste sites if PRPs fail to do so, and to assign liability to PRPs.
The extent of liability to be allocated to a PRP is dependent on a variety of
factors. The extent of clean-up necessary and the assignment of liability has
not been established. The insurance industry is disputing many such claims. Key
coverage issues include whether Superfund response costs are considered damages
under the policies, when and how coverage is triggered, applicability of
pollution exclusions, the potential for joint and several liability and
definition of an occurrence. Similar coverage issues exist for clean up and
waste sites not covered under Superfund. To date, courts have been inconsistent
in their rulings on these issues. An insurer's exposure to liability with regard
to its insureds which have been, or may be, named as PRPs is uncertain.
Superfund reform proposals have been introduced in Congress, but none have been
enacted. There can be no assurance that any Superfund reform legislation will be
enacted or that any such legislation will provide for a fair, effective and
cost-efficient system for settlement of Superfund related claims.
While current federal income tax law permits the tax-deferred accumulation
of earnings on the premiums paid by an annuity owner and holders of certain
savings-oriented life insurance products, no assurance can be given that future
tax law will continue to allow such tax deferrals. If such deferrals were not
allowed, consumer demand for the affected products would be substantially
reduced. In addition, proposals to lower the federal income tax rates through a
form of flat tax or otherwise could have, if enacted, a negative impact on the
demand for such products.
Companies engaged in investment banking/brokerage and investment management
include brokerage firms, broker/dealers, investment banks, finance companies and
mutual fund companies. Earnings and share prices of companies in this industry
are quite volatile, and often exceed the volatility levels of the market as a
whole. Recently, ongoing consolidation in the industry and the strong stock
market has benefited securities which investors believe will benefit from
greater investor and issuer activity. Major determinants of future earnings of
these companies are the direction of the stock market, investor confidence,
equity transaction volume, the level and direction of long-term and short-term
interest rates, and the outlook for emerging markets. Negative trends in any of
these earnings determinants could have a serious adverse effect on the financial
stability, as well as on the stock prices, of these companies. Furthermore,
there can be no assurance that the issuers of the equity securities included in
the trust will be able to respond in a timely manner to compete in the rapidly
developing marketplace. In addition to the foregoing, profit margins of these
companies continue to shrink due to the commoditization of traditional
businesses, new competitors, capital expenditures on new technology and the
pressures to compete globally.
7
<Page>
ADMINISTRATION OF THE TRUST
DISTRIBUTIONS TO UNITHOLDERS. Income received by a trust is credited by the
trustee to the Income Account of the trust. Other receipts are credited to the
Capital Account of a trust. Income received by a trust will be distributed on or
shortly after the distribution dates each year shown in the prospectus on a pro
rata basis to unitholders of record as of the preceding record date shown in the
prospectus. All distributions will be net of applicable expenses. There is no
assurance that any actual distributions will be made since all dividends
received may be used to pay expenses. In addition, excess amounts from the
Capital Account of a trust, if any, will be distributed at least annually to the
unitholders then of record. Proceeds received from the disposition of any of the
securities after a record date and prior to the following distribution date will
be held in the Capital Account and not distributed until the next distribution
date applicable to the Capital Account. The trustee shall be required to make a
distribution from the Capital Account if the cash balance on deposit therein
available for distribution shall be sufficient to distribute at least $1.00 per
100 units. The trustee is not required to pay interest on funds held in the
Capital or Income Accounts (but may itself earn interest thereon and therefore
benefits from the use of such funds). The trustee is authorized to reinvest any
funds held in the Capital or Income Accounts, pending distribution, in U.S.
Treasury obligations which mature on or before the next applicable distribution
date. Any obligations so acquired must be held until they mature and proceeds
therefrom may not be reinvested.
The distribution to the unitholders as of each record date will be made on
the following distribution date or shortly thereafter and shall consist of an
amount substantially equal to such portion of the unitholders' pro rata share of
the dividend distributions then held in the Income Account after deducting
estimated expenses. Because dividends are not received by a trust at a constant
rate throughout the year, such distributions to unitholders are expected to
fluctuate. Persons who purchase units will commence receiving distributions only
after such person becomes a record owner. A person will become the owner of
units, and thereby a unitholder of record, on the date of settlement provided
payment has been received. Notification to the trustee of the transfer of units
is the responsibility of the purchaser, but in the normal course of business
such notice is provided by the selling broker-dealer.
The trustee will periodically deduct from the Income Account of a trust
and, to the extent funds are not sufficient therein, from the Capital Account of
a trust amounts necessary to pay the expenses of a trust. The trustee also may
withdraw from said accounts such amounts, if any, as it deems necessary to
establish a reserve for any governmental charges payable out of a trust. Amounts
so withdrawn shall not be considered a part of a trust's assets until such time
as the trustee shall return all or any part of such amounts to the appropriate
accounts. In addition, the trustee may withdraw from the Income and Capital
Accounts of a trust such amounts as may be necessary to cover redemptions of
units.
DISTRIBUTION REINVESTMENT. Unitholders may elect to have distributions of
capital (including capital gains, if any) or dividends or both automatically
invested into additional units of their trust without a sales fee.
Your trust will pay any deferred sales fee per unit regardless of any sales
fee discounts. However, if you elect to have distributions on your units
reinvested into additional units of your trust, you will be credited the amount
of any remaining deferred sales charge on such additional units at the time of
reinvestment.
Unitholders who are receiving distributions in cash may elect to
participate in distribution reinvestment by filing with the Program Agent an
election to have such distributions reinvested without charge. Such election
must be received by the Program Agent at least ten days prior to the record date
applicable to any distribution in order to be in effect for such record date.
Any such election shall remain in effect until a subsequent notice is received
by the Program Agent.
The Program Agent is The Bank of New York. All inquiries concerning
participating in distribution reinvestment should be directed to The Bank of New
York at its Unit Investment Trust Division office.
8
<Page>
STATEMENTS TO UNITHOLDERS. With each distribution, the trustee will furnish
to each unitholder a statement of the amount of income and the amount of other
receipts, if any, which are being distributed, expressed in each case as a
dollar amount per unit.
The accounts of a trust will not be audited annually unless the sponsor
determines that such an audit would be in the best interest of the unitholders
of the trust. If an audit is conducted, it will be done at the related trust's
expense, by independent public accountants designated by the sponsor. The
accountants' report will be furnished by the trustee to any unitholder upon
written request. Within a reasonable period of time after the end of each
calendar year, the trustee shall furnish to each person who at any time during
the calendar year was a unitholder of a trust a statement, covering the calendar
year, generally setting forth for the trust:
(A) As to the Income Account:
(1) Income received;
(2) Deductions for applicable taxes and for fees and expenses of the trust
and for redemptions of units, if any; and
(3) The balance remaining after such distributions and deductions,
expressed in each case both as a total dollar amount and as a dollar
amount representing the pro rata share of each unit outstanding on the
last business day of such calendar year; and
(B) As to the Capital Account:
(1) The dates of disposition of any securities and the net proceeds
received therefrom;
(2) Deductions for payment of applicable taxes and fees and expenses of
the trust held for distribution to unitholders of record as of a date
prior to the determination; and
(3) The balance remaining after such distributions and deductions
expressed both as a total dollar amount and as a dollar amount
representing the pro rata share of each unit outstanding on the last
business day of such calendar year; and
(C) The following information:
(1) A list of the securities as of the last business day of such calendar
year;
(2) The number of units outstanding on the last business day of such
calendar year;
(3) The redemption price based on the last evaluation made during such
calendar year;
(4) The amount actually distributed during such calendar year from the
Income and Capital Accounts separately stated, expressed both as total
dollar amounts and as dollar amounts per unit outstanding on the
record dates for each such distribution.
RIGHTS OF UNITHOLDERS. A unitholder may at any time tender units to the
trustee for redemption. The death or incapacity of any unitholder will not
operate to terminate a trust nor entitle legal representatives or heirs to claim
an accounting or to bring any action or proceeding in any court for partition or
winding up of a trust. No unitholder shall have the right to control the
operation and management of a trust in any manner, except to vote with respect
to the amendment of the trust agreement or termination of a trust.
9
<Page>
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION. The trust agreement may be amended by the
trustee and the sponsor without the consent of any of the unitholders: (1) to
cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision which may be
defective or inconsistent; (2) to change any provision thereof as may be
required by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor governmental
agency; or (3) to make such provisions as shall not adversely affect the
interests of the unitholders. The trust agreement with respect to any trust may
also be amended in any respect by the sponsor and the trustee, or any of the
provisions thereof may be waived, with the consent of the holders of units
representing 66 2/3% of the units then outstanding of the trust, provided that
no such amendment or waiver will reduce the interest of any unitholder thereof
without the consent of such unitholder or reduce the percentage of units
required to consent to any such amendment or waiver without the consent of all
unitholders of the trust. In no event shall the trust agreement be amended to
increase the number of units of a trust issuable thereunder or to permit the
acquisition of any securities in addition to or in substitution for those
initially deposited in the trust, except in accordance with the provisions of
the trust agreement. The trustee shall promptly notify unitholders of the
substance of any such amendment.
The trust agreement provides that a trust shall terminate upon the
liquidation, redemption or other disposition of the last of the securities held
in the trust but in no event is it to continue beyond the mandatory termination
date set forth in Part A of the prospectus. If the value of a trust shall be
less than the applicable minimum value stated in the prospectus (generally 20%
of the total value of securities deposited in the trust during the initial
offering period), the trustee may, in its discretion, and shall, when so
directed by the sponsor, terminate the trust. A trust may be terminated at any
time by the holders of units representing 66 2/3% of the units thereof then
outstanding. In addition, the sponsor may terminate a trust if it is based on a
security index and the index is no longer maintained.
Beginning nine business days prior to, but no later than, the mandatory
termination date described in the prospectus, the trustee may begin to sell all
of the remaining underlying securities on behalf of unitholders in connection
with the termination of the trust. The sponsor may assist the trustee in these
sales and receive compensation to the extent permitted by applicable law. The
sale proceeds will be net of any incidental expenses involved in the sales.
The trustee will attempt to sell the securities as quickly as it can during
the termination proceedings without in its judgment materially adversely
affecting the market price of the securities, but it is expected that all of the
securities will in any event be disposed of within a reasonable time after a
trust's termination. The sponsor does not anticipate that the period will be
longer than one month, and it could be as short as one day, depending on the
liquidity of the securities being sold. The liquidity of any security depends on
the daily trading volume of the security and the amount that the sponsor has
available for sale on any particular day. Of course, no assurances can be given
that the market value of the securities will not be adversely affected during
the termination proceedings.
Approximately thirty days prior to termination of certain trusts, the
trustee will notify unitholders of the termination and provide a form allowing
qualifying unitholders to elect an in-kind distribution (a "DISTRIBUTION IN
KIND"). A unitholder who owns the minimum number of units shown in Part A of the
prospectus may request a Distribution In Kind from the trustee instead of cash.
The trustee will make a Distribution In Kind through the distribution of each of
the securities of the trust in book entry form to the account of the
unitholder's bank or broker-dealer at Depository Trust Company. The unitholder
will be entitled to receive whole shares of each of the securities comprising
the portfolio of a trust and cash from the Capital Account equal to the
fractional shares to which the unitholder is entitled. The trustee may adjust
the number of shares of any security included in a unitholder's Distribution In
Kind to facilitate the distribution of whole shares. The sponsor may terminate
the Distribution In Kind option at any time upon notice to the unitholders.
Special federal income tax consequences will result if a unitholder requests a
Distribution In Kind.
Within a reasonable period after termination, the trustee will sell any
securities remaining in a trust and, after paying all expenses and charges
incurred by the trust, will distribute to unitholders thereof (upon surrender
for cancellation of certificates for units, if issued) their pro rata share of
the balances remaining in the Income and Capital Accounts of the trust.
10
<Page>
The sponsor currently intends, but is not obligated, to offer for sale
units of a subsequent series of certain trusts at approximately one year after
the inception date of such trusts. If the sponsor does offer such units for
sale, unitholders may be given the opportunity to purchase such units at a
public offering price which includes a reduced sales fee. There is, however, no
assurance that units of any new series of a trust will be offered for sale at
that time, or if offered, that there will be sufficient units available for sale
to meet the requests of any or all unitholders.
THE TRUSTEE. The trustee is The Bank of New York, a trust company organized
under the laws of New York. The Bank of New York has its Unit Investment Trust
Division offices at 101 Barclay Street, 20th Fl., New York, New York 10286,
telephone 1-800-701-8178. The Bank of New York is subject to supervision and
examination by the Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York and the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and its deposits are insured
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to the extent permitted by law.
The trustee, whose duties are ministerial in nature, has not participated
in selecting the portfolio of any trust. In accordance with the trust agreement,
the trustee shall keep records of all transactions at its office. Such records
shall include the name and address of, and the number of units held by, every
unitholder of a trust. Such books and records shall be open to inspection by any
unitholder at all reasonable times during usual business hours. The trustee
shall make such annual or other reports as may from time to time be required
under any applicable state or federal statute, rule or regulation. The trustee
shall keep a certified copy or duplicate original of the trust agreement on file
in its office available for inspection at all reasonable times during usual
business hours by any unitholder, together with a current list of the securities
held in each trust. Pursuant to the trust agreement, the trustee may employ one
or more agents for the purpose of custody and safeguarding of securities
comprising a trust.
Under the trust agreement, the trustee or any successor trustee may resign
and be discharged of a trust created by the trust agreement by executing an
instrument in writing and filing the same with the sponsor. The trustee or
successor trustee must mail a copy of the notice of resignation to all
unitholders then of record, not less than sixty days before the date specified
in such notice when such resignation is to take effect. The sponsor upon
receiving notice of such resignation is obligated to appoint a successor trustee
promptly. If, upon such resignation, no successor trustee has been appointed and
has accepted the appointment within thirty days after notification, the retiring
trustee may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a
successor. The sponsor may at any time remove the trustee, with or without
cause, and appoint a successor trustee as provided in the trust agreement.
Notice of such removal and appointment shall be mailed to each unitholder by the
sponsor. Upon execution of a written acceptance of such appointment by such
successor trustee, all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of the
original trustee shall vest in the successor. The trustee must be a corporation
organized under the laws of the United States, or any state thereof, be
authorized under such laws to exercise trust powers and have at all times an
aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits of not less than $5,000,000.
THE SPONSOR. Claymore Securities, Inc. specializes in the creation,
development and distribution of investment solutions for advisors and their
valued clients. Claymore Securities, Inc. was created as Ranson & Associates,
Inc., in 1995 and is the successor sponsor to unit investment trusts formerly
sponsored by EVEREN Unit Investment Trusts, a service of EVEREN Securities, Inc.
Claymore Securities, Inc. is also the sponsor and successor sponsor of Series of
Ranson Unit Investment Trusts and The Kansas Tax-Exempt Trust and Multi-State
Series of The Ranson Municipal Trust. On October 29, 2001, Ranson & Associates,
Inc. was acquired by Claymore Group LLC. The sale to Claymore Group LLC was
financed by a loan from The Bank of New York, the trustee. In November 2001, the
sponsor changed its name from Ranson & Associates, Inc. to Claymore Securities,
Inc. Claymore Securities, Inc. has been active in public and corporate finance
and has sold bonds and unit investment trusts and maintained secondary market
activities relating thereto. At present, Claymore Securities, Inc. which is a
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., is the sponsor
to each of the above-named unit investment trusts. The sponsor's offices are
located at 210 North Hale Street, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, at 1952 McDowell
Road, Suite 340, Naperville, Illinois 60563 and at 620 West Germantown Pike,
Suite 440, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania 19462.
11
<Page>
If at any time the sponsor shall fail to perform any of its duties under
the trust agreement or shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a
bankrupt or insolvent or shall have its affairs taken over by public
authorities, then the trustee may (a) appoint a successor sponsor at rates of
compensation deemed by the trustee to be reasonable and not exceeding such
reasonable amounts as may be prescribed by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, or (b) terminate the trust agreement and liquidate any trust as
provided therein, or (c) continue to act as trustee without terminating the
trust agreement.
THE SUPERVISOR AND THE EVALUATOR. Claymore Securities, Inc., the sponsor,
also serves as evaluator and supervisor. The evaluator and supervisor may resign
or be removed by the trustee in which event the trustee is to use its best
efforts to appoint a satisfactory successor. Such resignation or removal shall
become effective upon acceptance of appointment by the successor evaluator. If
upon resignation of the evaluator no successor has accepted appointment within
thirty days after notice of resignation, the evaluator may apply to a court of
competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor. Notice of such
registration or removal and appointment shall be mailed by the trustee to each
unitholder.
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY. The sponsor is liable for the performance of its
obligations arising from its responsibilities under the trust agreement, but
will be under no liability to the unitholders for taking any action or
refraining from any action in good faith pursuant to the trust agreement or for
errors in judgment, except in cases of its own gross negligence, bad faith or
willful misconduct or its reckless disregard for its duties thereunder. The
sponsor shall not be liable or responsible in any way for depreciation or loss
incurred by reason of the sale of any securities.
The trust agreement provides that the trustee shall be under no liability
for any action taken in good faith in reliance upon prima facie properly
executed documents or for the disposition of moneys, securities or certificates
except by reason of its own gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct,
or its reckless disregard for its duties under the trust agreement, nor shall
the trustee be liable or responsible in any way for depreciation or loss
incurred by reason of the sale by the trustee of any securities. In the event
that the sponsor shall fail to act, the trustee may act and shall not be liable
for any such action taken by it in good faith. The trustee shall not be
personally liable for any taxes or other governmental charges imposed upon or in
respect of the securities or upon the interest thereof. In addition, the trust
agreement contains other customary provisions limiting the liability of the
trustee.
The trustee and unitholders may rely on any evaluation furnished by the
evaluator and shall have no responsibility for the accuracy thereof. The trust
agreement provides that the determinations made by the evaluator shall be made
in good faith upon the basis of the best information available to it, provided,
however, that the evaluator shall be under no liability to the trustee or
unitholders for errors in judgment, but shall be liable for its gross
negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct or its reckless disregard for its
obligations under the trust agreement.
EXPENSES OF THE TRUST
The sponsor does not charge a trust an annual advisory fee. The sponsor
will receive a portion of the sale commissions paid in connection with the
purchase of units and will share in profits, if any, related to the deposit of
securities in the trust. The sponsor and/or its affiliates do, also, receive an
annual fee as set forth in Part A of the prospectus for maintaining surveillance
over the portfolio and for performing certain administrative services for the
Trust (the "SPONSOR'S SUPERVISORY FEE"). In providing such supervisory services,
the sponsor may purchase research from a variety of sources, which may include
dealers of the trusts. If so provided in Part A of the prospectus, the sponsor
may also receive an annual fee for providing bookkeeping and administrative
services for a trust (the "BOOKKEEPING AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEE"). Such services
may include, but are not limited to, the preparation of various materials for
unitholders and providing account information to the unitholders. If so provided
in Part A of the prospectus, the evaluator may also receive an annual fee for
performing evaluation services for the trusts (the "EVALUATOR'S FEE"). In
addition, if so provided in Part A of the prospectus, a trust may be charged an
annual licensing fee to cover licenses for the use of service marks, trademarks,
trade names and intellectual property rights and/or for the use of databases and
research. The trust will bear all operating expenses. Estimated annual trust
operating expenses are as set forth in Part A
12
<Page>
of the prospectus; if actual expenses are higher than the estimate, the excess
will be borne by the trust. The estimated expenses include listing fees but do
not include the brokerage commissions and other transactional fees payable by
the trust in purchasing and selling securities.
The trustee receives for its services that fee set forth in Part A of the
prospectus. The trustee's fee, which is calculated monthly, is based on the
largest number of units of a trust outstanding at any time during the primary
offering period. After the primary offering period, the fee shall accrue daily
and be based on the number of units outstanding on the first business day of
each calendar year in which the fee is calculated or the number of units
outstanding at the end of the primary offering period, as appropriate. The
Sponsor's Supervisory Fee, the Bookkeeping and Administrative Fee and the
Evaluator's Fee are calculated monthly and are based on the largest number of
units outstanding at any time during the period for which such compensation is
being computed. The trustee benefits to the extent there are funds for future
distributions, payment of expenses and redemptions in the Capital and Income
Accounts since these Accounts are non-interest bearing and the amounts earned by
the trustee are retained by the trustee. Part of the trustee's compensation for
its services to a trust is expected to result from the use of these funds. In
addition, the Sponsor's Supervisory Fee, Bookkeeping and Administrative Fee,
Evaluator's Fee and the Trustee's Fee may be adjusted in accordance with the
cumulative percentage increase of the United States Department of Labor's
Consumer Price Index entitled "All Services Less Rent" since the establishment
of the trust. In addition, with respect to any fees payable to the sponsor or an
affiliate of the sponsor for providing bookkeeping and other administrative
services, supervisory services and evaluation services, such individual fees may
exceed the actual costs of providing such services for a trust, but at no time
will the total amount received for such services, in the aggregate, rendered to
all unit investment trusts of which Claymore is the sponsor in any calendar year
exceed the actual cost to the sponsor or its affiliates of supplying such
services, in the aggregate, in such year.
The trust will also will pay a fee to the sponsor for creating and
developing the trust, including determining the trust objective, policies,
composition and size, selecting service providers and information services, and
for providing other similar administrative and ministerial functions. Your trust
pays this "creation and development fee" as a fixed dollar amount at the close
of the initial offering period. The sponsor does not use the fee to pay
distribution expenses or as compensation for sales efforts.
The following additional charges are or may be incurred by the trust: (a)
fees for the trustee's extraordinary services; (b) expenses of the trustee
(including legal and auditing expenses, but not including any fees and expenses
charged by an agent for custody and safeguarding of securities) and of counsel,
if any; (c) various governmental charges; (d) expenses and costs of any action
taken by the trustee to protect the trust or the rights and interests of the
unitholders; (e) indemnification of the trustee for any loss, liability or
expense incurred by it in the administration of the trust not resulting from
gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on its part; (f)
indemnification of the sponsor for any loss, liability or expense incurred in
acting in that capacity without gross negligence, bad faith or willful
malfeasance or its reckless disregard for its obligations under the trust
agreement; (g) any offering costs incurred after the end of the initial offering
period; and (h) expenditures incurred in contacting unitholders upon termination
of the trust. The fees and expenses set forth herein are payable out of a trust
and, when owing to the trustee, are secured by a lien on the trust. Since the
securities are all stocks, and the income stream produced by dividend payments,
if any, is unpredictable, the sponsor cannot provide any assurance that
dividends will be sufficient to meet any or all expenses of a trust. If the
balances in the Income and Capital Accounts are insufficient to provide for
amounts payable by the trust, the trustee has the power to sell securities to
pay such amounts. These sales may result in capital gains or losses to
unitholders. It is expected that the income stream produced by dividend payments
may be insufficient to meet the expenses of a trust and, accordingly, it is
expected that securities will be sold to pay all of the fees and expenses of the
trust.
The trust shall also bear the expenses associated with updating the trust's
registration statement and maintaining registration or qualification of the
units and/or a trust under federal or state securities laws subsequent to
initial registration. Such expenses shall include legal fees, accounting fees,
typesetting fees, electronic filing expenses and
13
<Page>
regulatory filing fees. The expenses associated with updating registration
statements have been historically paid by a unit investment trust's sponsor.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE ALLOCATION
When a trust sells securities, the composition and diversity of the
securities in the trust may be altered. In order to obtain the best price for a
trust, it may be necessary for the supervisor to specify minimum amounts (such
as 100 shares) in which blocks of securities are to be sold. In effecting
purchases and sales of a trust's portfolio securities, the sponsor may direct
that orders be placed with and brokerage commissions be paid to brokers,
including brokers which may be affiliated with the trust, the sponsor or dealers
participating in the offering of units. In addition, in selecting among firms to
handle a particular transaction, the sponsor may take into account whether the
firm has sold or is selling products which it sponsors.
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF UNITS
PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE. Units of a trust are offered at the public offering
price (which is based on the aggregate underlying value of the securities in the
trust and includes the initial sales fee plus a pro rata share of any
accumulated amounts in the accounts of the trust). The initial sales fee is
equal to the difference between the maximum sales fee and the sum of the
remaining deferred sales fee and the creation and development fee ("C&D FEE").
The maximum sales fee is set forth in Part A of the prospectus. The deferred
sales fee and the C&DFee will be collected as described in this prospectus.
Units purchased subsequent to the initial deferred sales fee payment will be
subject to the initial sales fee, the remaining deferred sales fee payments and
the C&D Fee. Units sold or redeemed prior to such time as the entire applicable
deferred sales fee has been collected will be assessed the remaining deferred
sales fee at the time of such sale or redemption. During the initial offering
period, a portion of the public offering price includes an amount of securities
to pay for all or a portion of the costs incurred in establishing a trust
("ORGANIZATION COSTS"). These organization costs include the cost of preparing
the registration statement, the trust indenture and other closing documents,
registering units with the Securities and Exchange Commission and states, the
initial audit of the trust portfolio, legal fees and the initial fees and
expenses of the trustee. These costs will be deducted from a trust as of the end
of the initial offering period or after six months, at the discretion of the
sponsor. As indicated above, the initial public offering price of the units was
established by dividing the aggregate underlying value of the securities by the
number of units outstanding. Such price determination as of the opening of
business on the date a trust was created was made on the basis of an evaluation
of the securities in the trust prepared by the evaluator. After the opening of
business on this date, the evaluator will appraise or cause to be appraised
daily the value of the underlying securities as of the close of the New York
Stock Exchange on days the New York Stock Exchange is open and will adjust the
public offering price of the units commensurate with such valuation. Such public
offering price will be effective for all orders properly received at or prior to
the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each such day. Orders
received by the trustee, sponsor or any dealer for purchases, sales or
redemptions after that time, or on a day when the New York Stock Exchange is
closed, will be held until the next determination of price.
The value of the securities is determined on each business day by the
evaluator based on the closing sale prices on a national securities exchange or
the Nasdaq National Market System or by taking into account the same factors
referred to under "Computation of Redemption Price."
PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION OF UNITS. During the initial offering period, units of
a trust will be distributed to the public at the public offering price thereof.
Upon the completion of the initial offering, units which remain unsold or which
may be acquired in the secondary market may be offered at the public offering
price determined in the manner provided above.
The sponsor intends to qualify units of a trust for sale in a number of
states. Units will be sold through dealers who are members of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and through others. Broker-dealers and
others
14
<Page>
will be allowed a concession or agency commission in connection with the
distribution of units during the initial offering period as set forth in the
prospectus.
Certain commercial banks may be making units of a trust available to their
customers on an agency basis. Furthermore, as a result of certain legislative
changes effective November 1999, banks are no longer prohibited from certain
affiliations with securities firms. This new legislation grants banks new
authority to conduct certain authorized activity, such as sales of Units,
through financial subsidiaries. A portion of the sales charge discussed above is
retained by or remitted to the banks or their financial subsidiaries for these
agency and brokerage transactions. The sponsor reserves the right to change the
concessions or agency commissions set forth in the prospectus from time to time.
In addition to such concessions or agency commissions, the sponsor may, from
time to time, pay or allow additional concessions or agency commissions, in the
form of cash or other compensation, to dealers employing registered
representatives who sell, during a specified time period, a minimum dollar
amount of units of unit investment trusts underwritten by the sponsor. At
various times the sponsor may implement programs under which the sales force of
a broker or dealer may be eligible to win nominal awards for certain sales
efforts, or under which the sponsor will reallow to any such broker or dealer
that sponsors sales contests or recognition programs conforming to criteria
established by the sponsor, or participates in sales programs sponsored by the
sponsor, an amount not exceeding the total applicable sales charges on the sales
generated by such person at the public offering price during such programs.
Also, the sponsor in its discretion may from time to time pursuant to objective
criteria established by the sponsor pay fees to qualifying brokers or dealers
for certain services or activities which are primarily intended to result in
sales of units of a trust. Such payments are made by the sponsor out of its own
assets, and not out of the assets of any trust. These programs will not change
the price unitholders pay for their units or the amount that a trust will
receive from the units sold. The difference between the discount and the sales
charge will be retained by the sponsor.
The sponsor reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any order
for the purchase of units.
SPONSOR PROFITS. The sponsor will receive gross sales fees equal to the
percentage of the public offering price of the units of a trust described in the
prospectus. In addition, the sponsor may realize a profit (or sustain a loss) as
of the date a trust is created resulting from the difference between the
purchase prices of the securities to the sponsor and the cost of such securities
to the trust. Thereafter, on subsequent deposits the sponsor may realize profits
or sustain losses from such deposits. The sponsor may realize additional profits
or losses during the initial offering period on unsold units as a result of
changes in the daily market value of the securities in the trust.
MARKET FOR UNITS. After the initial offering period, the sponsor may
maintain a market for units of a trust offered hereby and continuously offer to
purchase said units at prices, determined by the evaluator, based on the value
of the underlying securities. Unitholders who wish to dispose of their units
should inquire of their broker as to current market prices in order to determine
whether there is in existence any price in excess of the redemption price and,
if so, the amount thereof. Unitholders who sell or redeem units prior to such
time as the entire deferred sales fee on such units has been collected will be
assessed the amount of the remaining deferred sales fee at the time of such sale
or redemption. The offering price of any units resold by the sponsor will be in
accord with that described in the currently effective prospectus describing such
units. Any profit or loss resulting from the resale of such units will belong to
the sponsor. If the sponsor decides to maintain a secondary market, it may
suspend or discontinue purchases of units of the trust if the supply of units
exceeds demand, or for other business reasons.
REDEMPTION. A unitholder who does not dispose of units in the secondary
market described above may cause units to be redeemed by the trustee by making a
written request to the trustee at its Unit Investment Trust Division office in
the city of New York. Unitholders must sign the request, and such transfer
instrument, exactly as their names appear on the records of the trustee. If the
amount of the redemption is $500 or less and the proceeds are payable to the
unitholder(s) of record at the address of record, no signature guarantee is
necessary for redemptions by individual account owners (including joint owners).
Additional documentation may be requested, and a signature guarantee is always
required, from corporations, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians or
associations. The signatures must
15
<Page>
be guaranteed by a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion
Program ("STAMP") or such other signature guaranty program in addition to, or in
substitution for, STAMP, as may be accepted by the trustee.
Redemption shall be made by the trustee no later than the third business
day following the day on which a tender for redemption is received (the
"REDEMPTION DATE") by payment of cash equivalent to the redemption price,
determined as set forth below under "Computation of Redemption Price," as of the
close of the New York Stock Exchange next following such tender, multiplied by
the number of units being redeemed. Any units redeemed shall be canceled and any
undivided fractional interest in the related trust extinguished. The price
received upon redemption might be more or less than the amount paid by the
unitholder depending on the value of the securities in the trust at the time of
redemption. Unitholders who sell or redeem units prior to such time as the
entire deferred sales fee on such units has been collected will be assessed the
amount of the remaining deferred sales fee at the time of such sale or
redemption. Certain broker-dealers may charge a transaction fee for processing
redemption requests.
Under regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service, the trustee is
required to withhold a specified percentage of the principal amount of a unit
redemption if the trustee has not been furnished the redeeming unitholder's tax
identification number in the manner required by such regulations. Any amount so
withheld is transmitted to the Internal Revenue Service and may be recovered by
the unitholder only when filing a tax return. Under normal circumstances the
trustee obtains the unitholder's tax identification number from the selling
broker. However, any time a unitholder elects to tender units for redemption,
such unitholder should make sure that the trustee has been provided a certified
tax identification number in order to avoid this possible "back-up withholding."
In the event the trustee has not been previously provided such number, one must
be provided at the time redemption is requested. Any amounts paid on redemption
representing unpaid dividends shall be withdrawn from the Income Account of a
trust to the extent that funds are available for such purpose. All other amounts
paid on redemption shall be withdrawn from the Capital Account for a trust.
Unitholders tendering units for redemption may request a Distribution In
Kind from the trustee in lieu of cash redemption. A unitholder may request a
Distribution In Kind of an amount and value of securities per unit equal to the
redemption price per unit as determined as of the evaluation time next following
the tender, provided that the tendering unitholder is (1) entitled to receive at
least $25,000 of proceeds as part of his or her distribution or if he paid at
least $25,000 to acquire the units being tendered and (2) the unitholder has
elected to redeem at least thirty days prior to the termination of the trust. If
the unitholder meets these requirements, a Distribution In Kind will be made by
the trustee through the distribution of each of the securities of the trust in
book entry form to the account of the unitholder's bank or broker-dealer at
Depository Trust Company. The tendering unitholder shall be entitled to receive
whole shares of each of the securities comprising the portfolio of the trust and
cash from the Capital Account equal to the fractional shares to which the
tendering unitholder is entitled. The trustee shall make any adjustments
necessary to reflect differences between the redemption price of the units and
the value of the securities distributed in kind as of the date of tender. If
funds in the Capital Account are insufficient to cover the required cash
distribution to the tendering unitholder, the trustee may sell securities. The
in-kind redemption option may be terminated by the sponsor at any time. The
trustee is empowered to sell securities in order to make funds available for the
redemption of units. To the extent that securities are sold or redeemed in kind,
the size of a trust will be, and the diversity of a trust may be, reduced but
each remaining unit will continue to represent approximately the same
proportional interest in each security. Sales may be required at a time when
securities would not otherwise be sold and may result in lower prices than might
otherwise be realized. The price received upon redemption may be more or less
than the amount paid by the unitholder depending on the value of the securities
in the portfolio at the time of redemption.
The right of redemption may be suspended and payment postponed for more
than three business days following the day on which tender for redemption is
made (1) for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed,
other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or during which (as
determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission) trading on the New York
Stock Exchange is restricted; (2) for any period during which an emergency
exists as a result of which disposal by the trustee of securities is not
reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable to fairly determine
the value of the underlying securities in accordance with the trust agreement;
or (3) for such other
16
<Page>
period as the Securities and Exchange Commission may by order permit. The
trustee is not liable to any person in any way for any loss or damage which may
result from any such suspension or postponement.
COMPUTATION OF REDEMPTION PRICE. The redemption price per unit (as well as
the secondary market public offering price) will generally be determined on the
basis of the last sale price of the securities in a trust. The redemption price
per unit is the pro rata share of each unit in a trust determined generally on
the basis of (i) the cash on hand in the trust or moneys in the process of being
collected and (ii) the value of the securities in the trust less (a) amounts
representing taxes or other governmental charges payable out of the trust, (b)
any amount owing to the trustee for its advances and (c) the accrued expenses or
remaining deferred sales fees of the trust. During the initial offering period,
the redemption price and the secondary market repurchase price will also include
estimated organizational costs. The evaluator may determine the value of the
securities in the trust in the following manner: if the securities are listed on
a national or foreign securities exchange or the Nasdaq National Market System,
such evaluation shall generally be based on the last available sale price on or
immediately prior to the Evaluation Time on the exchange or Nasdaq National
Market System which is the principal market therefor, which shall be deemed to
be the New York Stock Exchange if the securities are listed thereon (unless the
evaluator deems such price inappropriate as a basis for evaluation) or, if there
is no such available sale price on such exchange, at the last available bid
prices (offer prices for primary market purchases) of the securities. Securities
not listed on the New York Stock Exchange but principally traded on the Nasdaq
National Market System will be valued at the Nasdaq National Market System's
official closing price. If the securities are not so listed or, if so listed,
the principal market therefor is other than on such exchange or there is no such
available sale price on such exchange, such evaluation shall generally be based
on the following methods or any combination thereof whichever the evaluator
deems appropriate: (i) on the basis of the current bid price (offer prices for
primary market purchases) for comparable securities (unless the evaluator deems
such price inappropriate as a basis for evaluation), (ii) by determining the
valuation of the securities on the bid side (offer side for primary market
purchases) of the market by appraisal or (iii) by any combination of the above.
If the trust holds securities denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars,
the evaluation of such security shall be converted to U.S. dollars based on
current bid side (offer side for primary market purchases) exchange rates
(unless the evaluator deems such prices inappropriate as a basis for valuation).
RETIREMENT PLANS. A trust may be well suited for purchase by Individual
Retirement Accounts, Keogh Plans, pension funds and other qualified retirement
plans. Generally, capital gains and income received under each of the foregoing
plans are deferred from federal taxation. All distributions from such plans are
generally treated as ordinary income but may, in some cases, be eligible for
special income averaging or tax deferred rollover treatment. Investors
considering participation in any such plan should review specific tax laws
related thereto and should consult their attorneys or tax advisers with respect
to the establishment and maintenance of any such plan. Such plans are offered by
brokerage firms and other financial institutions. The trust will lower the
minimum investment requirement for IRA accounts to $250. Fees and charges with
respect to such plans may vary.
OWNERSHIP OF UNITS. Ownership of units will not be evidenced by
certificates. All evidence of ownership of units will be recorded in book entry
form either at Depository Trust Company("DTC") through an investor's brokers'
account or through registration of the units on the books of the trustee. Units
held through DTC will be registered in the nominee name of Cede & Co. Individual
purchases of beneficial ownership interest in the trust will be made in book
entry form through DTC or the trustee. Ownership and transfer of units will be
evidenced and accomplished by book entries made by DTC and its participants if
the units are evidenced at DTC, or otherwise will be evidenced and accomplished
by book entries made by the trustee. DTC will record ownership and transfer of
the units among DTC participants and forward all notices and credit all payments
received in respect of the units held by the DTC participants. Beneficial owners
of units will receive written confirmation of their purchases and sale from the
broker dealer or bank from whom their purchase was made. Units are transferable
by making a written request properly accompanied by a written instrument or
instruments of transfer which should be sent registered or certified mail for
the protection of the unitholder. Unitholders must sign such written request
exactly as their names appear on the records of the trust. The signatures must
be guaranteed by a participant in the STAMP or such other signature guaranty
program in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, as may be acceptable by
the trustee.
17
<Page>
Units may be purchased in denominations of one unit or any multiple
thereof, subject to the minimum investment requirement. Fractions of units, if
any, will be computed to three decimal places.
TAXES
This section summarizes some of the main U.S. federal income tax
consequences of owning units of the trust. This section is current as of the
date of this prospectus. Tax laws and interpretations change frequently, and
these summaries do not describe all of the tax consequences to all taxpayers.
For example, these summaries generally do not describe your situation if you are
a corporation, a non-U.S. person, a broker/dealer, or other investor with
special circumstances. In addition, this section does not describe your state or
foreign taxes. As with any investment, you should consult your own tax
professional about your particular consequences. In addition, the Internal
Revenue Service issued new withholding and reporting regulations effective
January 1, 2001. Foreign investors should consult their own tax advisors
regarding the tax consequences of these regulations.
In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler LLP, counsel for the trust, under
existing law:
TRUST STATUS. The trust will not be taxed as a corporation for federal
income tax purposes. As a unit owner, you will be treated as the owner of a pro
rata portion of the securities and other assets held by the trust, and as such
you will be considered to have received a pro rata share of income (e.g.,
dividends and capital gains, if any) from each security when such income would
be considered to be received by you if you directly owned the trust's assets.
This is true even if you elect to have your distributions automatically
reinvested into additional units. In addition, the income from the trust which
you must take into account for federal income tax purposes is not reduced by
amounts used to pay trust expenses (including the deferred sales charge, if
any).
YOUR TAX BASIS AND INCOME OR LOSS UPON DISPOSITION. If the trust disposes
of securities, you will generally recognize gain or loss. If you dispose of your
units or redeem your units for cash, you will also generally recognize gain or
loss. To determine the amount of this gain or loss, you must subtract your tax
basis in the related securities from your share of the total amount received in
the transaction. You can generally determine your initial tax basis in each
security or other trust asset by apportioning the cost of your units, generally
including sales charges, among each security or other trust asset ratably
according to their value on the date you purchase your units. In certain
circumstances, however, you may have to adjust your tax basis after you purchase
your units (for example, in the case of certain dividends that exceed a
corporation's accumulated earnings and profits).
Under the recently enacted "Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act
of 2003" (the "TAX ACT"), if you are an individual, the maximum marginal federal
tax rate for net capital gain is generally 15% (generally 5% for certain
taxpayers in the 10% and 15% tax brackets). These new capital gains rates are
generally effective for taxable years ending on or after May 6, 2003 and
beginning before January 1, 2009. However, special effective date provisions are
set forth in the Tax Act. For example, there are special transition rules
provided with respect to gain properly taken into account for the portion of the
taxable year before May 6, 2003.
Net capital gain equals net long-term capital gain minus net short-term
capital loss for the taxable year. Capital gain or loss is long-term if the
holding period for the asset is more than one year and is short-term if the
holding period for the asset is one year or less. You must exclude the date you
purchase your units to determine your holding period. The tax rates for capital
gains realized from assets held for one year or less are generally the same as
for ordinary income. The Internal Revenue Code, however, treats certain capital
gains as ordinary income in special situations.
DIVIDENDS ON STOCKS. Certain dividends received with respect to the
Securities may qualify to be taxed at the same new rates that apply to net
capital gain (as discussed above), provided certain holding requirements are
satisfied. These special rules relating to the taxation of dividends at capital
gains rates generally apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002
and beginning before January 1, 2009.
18
<Page>
ROLLOVERS. If you elect to have your proceeds from the trust rolled over
into the next series of the trust, it is considered a sale for federal income
tax purposes, and any gain on the sale will be treated as a capital gain, and
any loss will be treated as a capital loss. However, any loss you incur in
connection with the exchange of your units of the trust for units of the next
series will generally be disallowed with respect to this deemed sale and
subsequent deemed repurchase, to the extent the two trusts have substantially
identical securities or other trust assets under the wash sale provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code.
DISTRIBUTION IN KIND. Under certain circumstances, as described in this
prospectus, you may request a Distribution In Kind when you redeem your units or
at the trust's termination. By electing to receive a Distribution In Kind, you
will receive whole shares of stock plus, possibly, cash.
You will not recognize gain or loss if you only receive securities in
exchange for your pro rata portion of the securities held by the trust. However,
if you also receive cash in exchange for a trust asset or a fractional share of
a security held by the trust, you will generally recognize gain or loss based on
the difference between the amount of cash you receive and your tax basis in such
trust asset or fractional share.
LIMITATIONS ON THE DEDUCTIBILITY OF TRUST EXPENSES. Generally, for federal
income tax purposes, you must take into account your full pro rata share of the
trust's income, even if some of that income is used to pay trust expenses. You
may deduct your pro rata share of each expense paid by the trust to the same
extent as if you directly paid the expense. You may, however, be required to
treat some or all of the expenses of the trust as miscellaneous itemized
deductions. Individuals may only deduct certain miscellaneous itemized
deductions to the extent they exceed 2% of adjusted gross income.
FOREIGN, STATE AND LOCAL TAXES. Distributions by the trust that are treated
as U.S. source income (e.g., dividends received on securities of domestic
corporations) will generally be subject to U.S. income taxation and withholding
in the case of units held by non-resident alien individuals, foreign
corporations or other non-U.S. persons, subject to any applicable treaty.
However, distributions by the trust that are derived from certain dividends of
securities of a foreign corporation may not be subject to U.S. income taxation
and withholding in the case of units held by non-resident alien individuals,
foreign corporations or other non-U.S. persons.
Some distributions by the trust may be subject to foreign withholding
taxes. Any dividends withheld will nevertheless be treated as income to you.
However, because you are deemed to have paid directly your share of foreign
taxes that have been paid or accrued by the trust, you may be entitled to a
foreign tax credit or deduction for U.S. tax purposes with respect to such
taxes.
In the opinion of Emmet, Marvin & Martin, LLP, Special Counsel to the trust
for New York tax matters, under the existing income tax laws of the State of New
York, the trust is not an association taxable as a corporation and the income of
the trust will be treated as the income of the Unitholders thereof.
19
<Page>
EXPERTS
LEGAL MATTERS. Chapman and Cutler LLP, 111 West Monroe Street, Chicago,
Illinois 60603, acts as counsel for the trust and has passed upon the legality
of the units.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. The statements of financial condition, including the
Trust Portfolio, appearing herein, have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP,
independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere
herein, and are included in reliance on such report given on the authority of
such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Information contained in the prospectus, as it currently exists or as
further updated, may also be included from time to time in other prospectuses or
in advertising material. Information on the performance of a trust strategy or
the actual performance of a trust may be included from time to time in other
prospectuses or advertising material and may reflect sales charges and expenses
of a trust. The performance of a trust may also be compared to the performance
of money managers as reported in SEI Fund Evaluation Survey or of mutual funds
as reported by Lipper Analytical Services Inc. (which calculates total return
using actual dividends on ex-dates accumulated for the quarter and reinvested at
quarter end), Money Magazine Fund Watch (which rates fund performance over a
specified time period after sales charge and assuming all dividends reinvested)
or Wiesenberger Investment Companies Service (which states fund performance
annually on a total return basis) or of the New York Stock Exchange Composite
Index, the American Stock Exchange Index (unmanaged indices of stocks traded on
the New York and American Stock Exchanges, respectively), the Dow Jones
Industrial Average (an index of 30 widely traded industrial common stocks) or
the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (an unmanaged diversified index of 500 stocks)
or similar measurement standards during the same period of time.
20
<Page>
CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS
CLAYMORE EQUITY PORTFOLIO
PROSPECTUS-PART B
______________ , 2003
WHERE TO LEARN MORE
You can contact us for free information about this and other investments.
VISIT US ON THE INTERNET
http://www.claymoresecurities.com
BY E MAIL
invest@claymoresecurities.com
CALL CLAYMORE
(800) 345-7999
Pricing Line (888) 248-4954
CALL THE BANK OF NEW YORK
(800) 701-8178 (investors)
(800) 647-3383 (brokers)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This prospectus does not contain all information filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. To obtain a copy of this information (a duplication fee
may be required):
E MAIL: publicinfo@sec.gov
WRITE: Public Reference Section
Washington, D.C. 20549-0102
VISIT: http://www.sec.gov (EDGAR Database)
CALL: 1-202-942-8090 (only for information on the operation of the
Public Reference System)
When units of the trust are no longer available, we may use this prospectus
as a preliminary prospectus for a future trust. In this case you should note
that:
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE WITH RESPECT TO FUTURE
TRUSTS AND MAY BE CHANGED. NO ONE MAY SELL UNITS OF A FUTURE TRUST UNTIL A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT IS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND
IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL UNITS AND IS NOT
SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY UNITS IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT
PERMITTED.
<Page>
(This page has been left blank intentionally.)
<Page>
CONTENTS
<Table>
Investment Summary
2 Overview
Equity Dividend Income Portfolio (5-year), Series 3
A CONCISE DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIOS
2 Investment Objective
2 Principal Investment Strategy
2 Security Selection
2 Future Trusts
3 Portfolio Diversification
3 Principal Risks
4 Who Should Invest
4 Essential Information
4 Fees and Expenses
5 Example
5 Estimated Annual Income Distributions
6 Trust Portfolio
Preferred Plus Portfolio, Series 3
7 Investment Objective
7 Principal Investment Strategy
7 Security Selection
7 Future Trusts
8 Portfolio Diversification
8 Principal Risks
10 Who Should Invest
10 Essential Information
10 Fees and Expenses
11 Example
12 Estimated Annual Income Distributions
13 Trust Portfolio
Understanding Your Investment
DETAILED INFORMATION TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR INVESTMENT
16 How to Buy Units
19 How to Sell Your Units
21 Distributions
21 Investment Risks
25 How the Trust Works
26 General Information
27 Expenses
28 Report of Independent Auditors
29 Statements of Financial Condition
</Table>
FOR THE TABLE OF CONTENTS OF PART B, SEE PART B OF THE PROSPECTUS.
Where to Learn More
YOU CAN CONTACT US FOR FREE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS AND OTHER INVESTMENTS.
VISIT US ON THE INTERNET
http://www.claymoresecurities.com
BY E-MAIL
invest@claymoresecurities.com
CALL CLAYMORE (800) 345-7999
Pricing Line (888) 248-4954
CALL THE BANK OF NEW YORK
(800) 701-8178 (investors)
(800) 647-3383 (brokers)
Additional Information
This prospectus does not contain all information filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. To obtain or copy this information (a duplication fee may
be required):
E-MAIL: publicinfo@sec.gov
WRITE: Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102
VISIT: http://www.sec.gov (EDGAR Database)
CALL: 1-202-942-8090 (only for information on
the operation of the Public Reference Section)
REFER TO:
CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 161
Securities Act file number: 333-_____
Investment Company Act file number: 811-03763
When units of the trust are no longer available, we may use this prospectus as a
preliminary prospectus for a future trust. In this case you should note that:
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE WITH RESPECT TO FUTURE TRUSTS
AND MAY BE CHANGED. NO ONE MAY SELL UNITS OF A FUTURE TRUST UNTIL A REGISTRATION
STATEMENT IS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND IS EFFECTIVE.
THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL UNITS AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO
BUY UNITS IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
[GRAPHIC]
CLAYMORE SECURITIES
DEFINED PORTFOLIOS
SERIES 161
PROSPECTUS
DATED DECEMBER , 2003
EQUITY DIVIDEND INCOME
PORTFOLIO (5-YEAR), SERIES 3
PREFERRED PLUS PORTFOLIO,
SERIES 3
[CLAYMORE LOGO]
<Page>
CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
A. Bonding Arrangements of Depositor:
The Depositor has obtained the following Securities Dealer Blanket Bond
for its officers, directors and employees:
INSURER/POLICY NO. AMOUNT
National Union Fire Insurance Company of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
959-9000 $250,000
This Registration Statement comprises the following papers and documents.
The Facing Sheet
The Prospectus
The Signatures
Consents of Counsel
The following exhibits:
1.1 Reference Trust Agreement (to be supplied by amendment).
1.1.1 Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust (Reference is made to
Exhibit 1.1.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on
Form S-6 for Claymore Securities Defined Portfolios, Series 116
(File No. 333-72828 filed on December 18, 2001).
2.1 Code of Ethics (Reference is made to Exhibit 2.2 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-6 for Claymore Securities Deferred Portfolios,
Series 149 (File No. 333-105025 filed on May 13, 2003).
3.1 Opinion of counsel as to legality of the securities being registered
including a consent to the use of its name under "Legal Opinions" in
the Prospectus (to be supplied by amendment).
3.4 Opinion of counsel as to the Trustee and the Trust(s) (to be supplied
by amendment).
4.1 Consent of Independent Auditors (to be supplied by amendment).
<Page>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant, Claymore Securities Defined Portfolios, Series 161 has duly
caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Wheaton, and State of
Illinois, on the 25th day of November 25, 2003.
CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS,
SERIES 161, Registrant
By: CLAYMORE SECURITIES, INC., Depositor
By: /s/ Nicholas Dalmaso
--------------------------------
Nicholas Dalmaso
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registration Statement has been signed below on November 25, 2003 by the
following persons, who constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of
Claymore Securities, Inc.
SIGNATURE* TITLE** DATE
) By: /s/ Nicholas Dalmaso
) -------------------
) Nicholas Dalmaso
) Attorney-in-Fact
)
DAVID HOOTEN* Chairman of the Board of ) November 25, 2003
Directors )
)
/S/ CHARLES MILLINGTON Chief Financial Officer November 25, 2003
- ----------------------
CHARLES MILLINGTON
/S/ NICHOLAS DALMASO Executive Vice President, November 25, 2003
- ---------------------- Secretary, Treasurer and
NICHOLAS DALMASO Director
- ----------------------
* An executed copy of the related power of attorney was filed as Exhibit 6.0
to Registration Statement No. 333-98345 on August 22, 2002.
** The titles of the persons named herein represent their capacity in and
relationship to Claymore Securities, Inc., the Depositor.
<Page>
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The consent of Grant Thornton LLP to the use of its report and to the
reference to such firm in the Prospectus included in this Registration
Statement will be filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement.
CONSENT OF CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LLP
The consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP to the use of its name in the
Prospectus included in this Registration Statement will be contained in its
opinion to be filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement.
CONSENT OF EMMET, MARVIN & MARTIN LLP
The consent of Emmet, Marvin & Martin LLP to the use of its name in the
Prospectus included in the Registration Statement will be contained in its
opinions to be filed as Exhibits 3.3 and 3.4 to the Registration Statement.
<Page>
MEMORANDUM
Re: Claymore Securities Defined Portfolios
The list of securities comprising the trust of the fund, the evaluation,
record and distribution dates and other changes pertaining specifically to
the new series, such as size and number of units of the trust in the fund and
the statement of financial condition of the new fund will be filed by
amendment.
1940 ACT
FORMS N-8A AND N-8B-2
Form N-8A and Form N-8B-2 were filed in respect of Claymore Securities
Defined Portfolios, Series 116 (and subsequent series) (File No. 811-03763).
1933 ACT
THE INDENTURE
The form of the proposed Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust is
expected to be in all respects consistent with the form of the Standard Terms
and Conditions of Trust dated December 18, 2001 relative to Claymore
Securities Defined Portfolios, Series 116.
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LLP
Chicago, Illinois
November 25, 2003